Caltanissetta

Caltanissetta stands in the hills of central Sicily, beneath the ruins of Pietrarossa Castle, overlooking the surrounding countryside of the island. The town grew beyond its old fortified centre as the counts of the Moncada family made it the seat of their power. Churches, new quarters and noble residences gradually spread across the slopes below the castle.

Matteo Moncada acquired Caltanissetta in 1407, and his family retained it until the abolition of feudal rights in 1812. Heavy taxation and disputes with the counts provoked unrest in 1516; the town council later petitioned to return to royal rule. In 1567 much of Pietrarossa Castle collapsed, probably in a landslide. By then the Moncadas had already moved from the old fortress to a residence better suited to their court.