Sicily’s capital is well known for its architecture, domes and mosaics depicting Arab, Byzantine and Norman influences. A jewel in Palermo’s crown, Villa Igiea is an Art Nouveau masterpiece overlooking the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. Discover this magnificent 19th-century palazzo, long loved by royalty, dignitaries and Hollywood luminaries, then explore our hand-picked selection of neighbouring palaces, each more striking than the next.
Abatellis Palace
In the heart of Kalsa district, overlooking the sea and within the quarter for the richest merchants, was where Francesco Abatellis had built his home in the 15th century. Since 1953, this majestic palace, redesigned by Carlo Scarpa, has housed one of the most important museums in the city. Be sure to see at least three masterpieces: the Triumph of Death, the spectacular 15th-century fresco that may have been the inspiration behind Pablo Picasso’s Guernica; the incredible bust of Eleonora of Aragon, created by Francesco Laurana in 1471; and the Annunciation, by Antonello da Messina, circa 1475, one of the most significant works of the Italian Renaissance. Gaze at it, follow her extended hand and imagine being in Archangel Gabriel’s place announcing the miracle of the impending birth.
Chiaramonte-Steri Palace
Built in the early 1300s, this magnificent palace was originally home to the noble Chiaramonte family. Later, it became the headquarters of the Spanish viceroys, and subsequently a prison and the scene of the most horrific torture, as revealed from the graffiti left on its walls by the prisoners. It took the beauty of modern art to erase the marks of so much suffering. Today, the palace combines Arab, Norman and Catalan styles, and is home to La Vucciria, the famous work painted by Renato Guttuso in 1974. The painting was inspired by the artist’s childhood, born in Bagheria in 1911, when he used to gaze hungrily at the market stalls, which still fill the streets with delicious aromas and vibrant colours today.
Chinese Palace
Located inside the Favorita Park, just a short walk away from Villa Igiea, is one of the most original and magical buildings in Palermo, the Chinese Palace. A genuine piece of architectural indulgence, it was commissioned in 1799 by Ferdinand I, the “Lazzarone King”, as a hunting lodge and the venue for every other pleasure. The architect, Giuseppe Venanzio Marvuglia, had envisaged it as a synthesis of exotic intimations and classic elements. The real wonder is the interior, with frescoes, decorations and Chinese ideograms, which are combined with Pompeian motifs and blossoming gardens. On the first floor is the King’s sumptuous bedroom with a painted vault, featuring pagodas, peacocks and Chinese Dragon dignitaries, where the objects that were most loved by the owner of the house can be seen.
Valguarnera Gangi Palace
“You’re so much more than a good dancer, you’re a delightful dancer, truly delightful.” Thus declared Claudia Cardinale, alias Angelica, as she dances a waltz in the arms of Burt Lancaster, playing the unforgettable Prince of Salina. For this famous scene from The Leopard, made in 1963, Luchino Visconti chose one of the most beautiful palaces in Palermo, and the most lavish room in the palace, which is a triumph of gold, mirrors and enormous Murano lamps. Prince Pietro Valguarnera, the representative of one of the most noble lineages in Sicilian aristocracy, built this magnificent palace in 1750. It has hosted many important guests, from Vincenzo Bellini to Richard Wagner, and from Auguste Renoir to Edward VII.
Discover the best of Europe and book a flexible escape to our masterpiece in Palermo, Villa Igiea, by emailing reservations.villaigiea@roccofortehotels.com or call +39 0632888590.
You can easily enjoy a day trip to Palermo from our 5-Star Verdura Resort. Located within the grounds of the resort, our new Rocco Forte Private Villas are perfect for larger groups and families. To make a flexible booking please email reservations.verdura@roccofortehotels.com or call +39 0925 9980 01.
Vivacious, glamorous, powerful. Few figures encapsulate the effortless grandeur of the Belle Époque quite like Donna Franca, our Sicilian muse. Famed for her petite frame, thick dark hair and an exquisite fashion sense that has endured for over a century, Franca was the epitome of an era that placed beauty and high fashion at its forefront.
The festive season brings its own kind of sparkle - a flurry of celebrations, feasts, and time with those who matter most. To make gifting simple, we’ve curated a selection of bespoke experiences to delight everyone on your list. From candlelit dinners and Italian wine tastings to tranquil spa escapes and moments devoted to yourself, each experience thoughtfully crafted to offer moments of joy.
In a time when beauty shaped every facet of life — from the curve of a staircase to the vivid bloom of a painted iris — Italy’s Stile Liberty captured the optimism of a new century. Across Europe in the late 19th century, the Belle Époque blurred the line between art and the everyday, celebrating craftsmanship, elegance, and expressive freedom. Now, a new cultural itinerary, From Mucha to Florio, traces that movement between Hotel de la Ville in Rome and Villa Igiea in Palermo, two different cities, two glorious expressions of the same artistic impulse.
