The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as shown by the presence of two necropolises dating from the second millennium BCE, and by numerous other archaeological finds.

During unification struggles, on May 29, 1860, the town was looted by the Bourbon army led by general Gaetano Afan de Rivera; they were fleeing from the Garibaldini forces towards Catania.

Later, the town produced such nationwide politicians as Italian Prime minister Mario Scelba, and Sicilian president Silvio Milazzo.

Also, it was the final theatre of the Indepentist season, specifically the area of San Mauro; there, the Royal Carabinieri and the Concetto Gallo-ruled EVIS had a battle, won by the Italian army.

The main landmark of the city is the 142-step monumental Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte, built from 1608 in the old part of the town.

Each step is decorated with different hand-decorated ceramics, using styles and figures derived from the city's millennial tradition of pottery making.

Religious buildings include:Caltagirone, during the latest decades, built some partnerships and sisterhoods with certain cities around the world, for cultural, social and historical reasons and purposes.