Caltagirone, a city in central Sicily in Val di Noto, has become famous for the artistic production of majolica and for its staircase which, in 1606, was built to connect the old and the new part of the city. There are 142 lava steps that exceed a total of 50 meters in altitude and a height of 8 meters. The stands are adorned with handcrafted and colorful majolica. The motifs represent ten centuries of history in chronological order from top to bottom, one different from the other. Looking at the staircase from the bottom you have a nice overview of this masterpiece that pays tribute to the great skill of the artisans of Caltagirone.

The days of 24 and 25 July are dedicated to Luminaria. During the evening the staircase is illuminated by a myriad of tealights that are not simply so many bright lights, but that form ancient drawings prepared by the Friar Benedict Papal in the late 1700s.

The lanterns are made of terracotta with transparent paper cylinders and are arranged along the staircase. Shortly before evening falls, they are filled with olive oil. At 9.30 pm the sign of the master builder takes place the flames by the hands of the warmers involved.

Slowly thousands of lights are lit up and the prepared design takes shape along the entire staircase. During this ceremony the electric light is interrupted so as to offer many visitors a breathtaking show. This mosaic of fire remains visible for a few hours until the oil contained in the lumere is exhausted.