A Legacy in Stone: The Enduring Grandeur of Palermo's Palazzo Alliata di Pietratagliata
Palermo's heart beats with the rhythm of history, each cobbled street and sun-drenched piazza echoing with tales of empires and artistic triumphs. And there, amidst the city's bustling energy, stands a silent sentinel - the Palazzo Alliata di Pietratagliata, its imposing façade quietly presiding over dynasties past and present. Step inside, and the true magic unfolds.
Princess Signoretta Alliata di Pietratagliata, inheriting a legacy stretching back centuries, welcomes you with a warmth that reflects the Sicilian spirit. “The palace was sold to my family in 1700, and it has never changed ownership outside of our two families – mine and my husband’s. We have not changed our address in six centuries!” she explains. Indeed, Princess Alliata, and her husband Prince Biagio Licata Baucina, are both direct descendants of the two families who originally owned the Palazzo. Through their dedication and meticulous preservation efforts, it continues to thrive, offering a glimpse into Palermo's captivating history and artistic lineage.
However, bringing a centuries-old palace up to modern-day standards is not without its challenges: "Living in a historic home is not easy. But when I wake up in the morning and look at my bedroom ceiling with a cheerful fresco of cherubs and little angels, it seems to me that they wish me a good morning and my day starts well.” These frescoes are by the Italian master Vito D’Anna, one of the most sought-after painters of the 18th century, whose impressive work covers much of the Palazzo.
The past permeates every corner of the Palazzo. In the 15th-century tower, once the city's tallest, you can almost hear the echoes of power and influence wielded by the Termine family, its original builders. As you ascend the grand staircase, adorned with intricate Rococo flourishes, and enter the grand ballroom, a feast for the eyes awaits. The walls and ceiling are decorated with D’Anna’s colourful frescoes, while the floor, still covered with the original, vibrantly painted Neapolitan majolica, conjures images of lavish balls from bygone eras. But it is the hand-blown Murano glass chandelier that’s the real star of the show. With 99 arms and 2.75 metres in height and width, it is the largest of its kind in Europe.
Princess Alliatta recounts the day she and her family tackled the daunting task of cleaning the magnificent chandelier - a moment of shared love and commitment to their ancestral home.
“Cleaning the delicate chandelier was quite an adventure. Not a single piece broke and it was a moment that I remember with great pleasure because it was also a lesson for my children: when you have the privilege of being the owner of a historic house you have to know how to do everything, you can’t be afraid of getting your hands dirty.”
But the Palazzo is not merely a static monument to the past. It thrives as a vibrant part of the present. Princess Alliatta and Prince Biagio permanently live in the Palazzo, along with her daughter Amalia, who lives on the first floor, while their son Antonio regularly visits. Indeed their granddaughter Francesca was baptised in the private chapel when she was just three months old, a special memory for the family and a new chapter for the Palazzo.
On occasion, they open their doors to guests, offering a glimpse into the world of the aristocracy. Here, history transforms into a tangible experience, as visitors are welcomed with the friendly openness that defines Sicilian hospitality. As Princess Alliatta reflects, "I try to give them not only historical information, but also the emotions travellers felt on the Grand Tour, discovering our beauty, history, and the emotions that stay with you forever."
Beyond the Palazzo walls, the Alliata family's legacy extends to the Giardino Duca di Serradifalco, a historic garden in the heart of Palermo. Here, amidst towering palm trees and rare ficus, lies a charming restaurant managed by Princess Alliata's daughter and nephew Giuseppe Licata of Baucina. It's a perfect continuation of the journey, offering a taste of authentic Sicilian cuisine and a delightful atmosphere steeped in history.
The Palazzo Alliata di Pietratagliata is more than a magnificent architectural specimen; it's a living testament to family, history, and the enduring spirit of Palermo. Its story, woven with the personal touch of Princess Alliatta and her family, is an invitation to experience not just the grandeur of the past, but the vibrancy of the present.
To arrange an exclusive tour in Palazzo Alliata di Pietratagliata during your stay at Villa Igiea, please contact our Concierge team via concierge.villaigiea@roccofortehotels.com
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