Discover Carlentini

Carlentini brings together striking religious traditions, traces of earlier history, and vibrant craftsmanship. Accessible remains, church art, processions, and insights into traditional trades offer different ways to explore the town. If culture and local customs are a particular focus of your trip to Sicily, you can make these themes a priority when choosing where to stay.

History and Sacred Art

The accessible remains of the Castrum Vetus are located on Colle Tirone-Castellaccio. The site offers a historical point of reference, while Carlentini also preserves examples of sacred art. The Chiesa di San Sebastiano was rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake. Its single-nave layout and a statue of the saint dating from the early 18th century give the church a distinct art-historical character.

Medieval oratories and rock-cut places of worship in the town and its suburban area of Leontinoi also preserve significant painted works. The Cappella di Santa Lucia houses an arm-shaped silver reliquary containing a bone fragment of the saint. These places represent different forms of religious art and heritage: from the painted works in oratories and rock-cut sites to a distinctive reliquary. Those interested in these themes will find several concrete reasons to explore Carlentini’s cultural heritage.

Processions and Feast Days

The Festa di San Giuseppe is celebrated in Carlentini on Easter Monday. During the procession, figures dressed as Joseph, Mary, and Jesus take part, followed by Sicilian carts and musicians. The event combines religious imagery with traditional elements, making the Festa a distinctive insight into local festive culture.

The Festa also includes an auction of donated food and other goods. These include elaborately shaped breads, asparagus, wheat, and sweets. This selection shows how closely the celebration is connected with food and craftsmanship. The “Scisa a Cruci” tradition takes place on Good Friday. Processions then make their way through the town with the dead Christ and Our Lady of Sorrows. Easter Monday and Good Friday are therefore important dates if you are interested in religious customs and how they are expressed.

Crafts and Educational Activities

The Casa dei mestieri antichi e delle tradizioni popolari displays tools from more than 40 traditional trades. A visit focuses on different occupations and ways of working, rather than only on individual works of art or historic architectural styles. For families who would also like to discover traditional crafts during their trip, this collection offers a distinct cultural highlight.

Visits to the Casa are available on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., as well as by appointment by calling 338 3179117. These specific hours can help you plan a visit as part of your trip; for an appointment outside the stated morning hours, use the telephone number provided.

Badiula offers a different kind of learning: it is an educational farm in Carlentini accredited by the Region of Sicily. The farm welcomes schools, families, and groups for educational activities. If you are travelling with children and are looking for an agricultural learning experience in addition to churches, festivals, and crafts, you can consider this as a separate highlight. It complements the cultural themes with an explicitly educational perspective.

If you would like to experience Carlentini during a particular feast day, plan your travel dates around the relevant date.

Other destinations you can explore independently: Calcerana-Marina, San Pietro Clarenza, Aci Sant'antonio, San Giovanni La Punta, Vizzini, Linera, Santa Venerina and Pedara.

For the broader travel overview: Catania.