Casa Patronale Tipica Siciliana Home B&B TreMetriSoprailCielo camere con vista, colazione terrazzo panoramico

Very small but vert comfortable B&B located right on the famous majolica tiled steps in Caltagirone. Views across the town to the Duomo wonderful. Breakfast grear. Host very friendly and helpful.

We stayed in the independent unit that is on the Via Testa, a few feet off the steps of Santa Maria di Monte. It was nice and large, with sofas to relax on. On the next street down the steps was the area with the breakfast room, which had a beautiful terrace and a wonderful view. The breakfast was very nice. I had previously scoped out potential parking areas on Google maps with Streetview, so I could see what the streets actually looked like, and was able to get a space on Via Ex Matrice, since driving around a hill town is impossible (you never know what streets are passable are not). We had gone to Caltagirone to see the neighborhood and house my grandmother was born in, and I do recommend a short visit to the town (one day will do). Just be aware that many of the streets are steep, narrow staircases, so you have to be prepared for that. If you are able, try to time your visit with one of the major festivals, like San Giacomo, when the entire staircase is covered with little colored lamps that create a beautiful image. There is another holiday when it is completely covered with a flower design.

Finding the B&B is a challenge, especially with no knowledge of Italian - par for the course in Italy unless going to the Hyatt in a taxi. There is no parking for the place, just what you find near or far, guaranteed to be at least a 10m difference in elevation. (Try the end of Via di Asilio Infantil, if you can find it.) Hence beware, luggage needs to be hauled with some effort. The old house has been superbly restored, with great modern touches of interior design. It still remains a bit of a pigeon coop, though, with tiny room, bathroom and steep steps. The famous steps leading down to town or up the church are many and higher than modern building regulations would specify: a few trips either way will test one's cardio fitness. (And show why small-town Sicilians must be so fit.) The host is very congenial, speaking some English. When bookings allow, he is very relaxed about check in/out times, and helpful with information. All that stuff about the views is spot on, even from one's room, but especially from the breakfast room and its balcony. Frail, infirm or disabled people may not be up to the physical challenge of access.

This is more than a B&B…a cultural and culinary paradise. The bells and nuns chorus could be heard in the morning somewhere off in the distance before the tourist start to populate the steps outside. The balcony divine but the rooftop breakfast and vista quite sublime. The owners go above and beyond in their kind and helpful service. The space itself is so tastefully decorated. Brimming with character!