PALERMO TOUR OF NOBLE PALACES

PALERMO TOUR OF NOBLE PALACES

PALERMO TOUR OF NOBLE PALACES

Meet the fascinating and charismatic nobles of Palermo in their magnificent historical houses.​

For this tour please contact me at marilufichera@virgilio.it

Sicily is a land rich in noble traditions. The origins of many aristocratic families date back to the distant Middle Ages, and are linked to the feudal system that characterized the island for several centuries.

In the second half of the 18th century, King Charles III carried out reforms that revolutionised the entire system and this contributed to a decrease in the privileges of the patrician castes.

Today, the splendid noble palaces of Palermo bear witness to this glorious past. Visiting them will be an unforgettable experience that will remain etched in your memory for a long time.

 

Palermo Tour of Noble Palaces - Palermo Tour Guide

Palazzo Conte Federico : a real gem located in the heart of the ancient city. The family of Count Alessandro Federico, a direct descendant of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, still lives in the palace. This splendid and prestigious historic residence was built on the ancient Punic walls of the city and incorporates an Arab-Norman tower that dates back to the 12th century. The sumptuous interior is characterized by numerous halls furnished with original period furniture, collections of ceramics and weapons. Every object in the palace is steeped in history.

You will be impressed by the splendid wooden ceilings and frescoes painted by famous artists of the time. You will meet the hosts and learn about the magnificence of this wonderful patrician home from them.

Palazzo Drago Airoldi : Originally a Roman garrison, it took its present form in the 18th century when it was acquired by the family of the Marquis Drago. The area where it is located, the ancient “Cassaro” was bombed by the allied forces in 1943. The palace has been recently restored with an excellent work of conservative restoration. The heirs of the owners welcome visitors to their palace where you will be immersed in the magical atmosphere of times gone by.This house-museum has a beautiful courtyard and Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau interiors full of works of art.

Palazzo Mirto : This palace is located in the district of “Kalsa”, ancient fortified Arab citadel. It belonged to one of the oldest noble families in Palermo of Norman descent, the Filangeri. 

Unlike other historic houses still inhabited by their owners, Palazzo Mirto is now a museum. This is due to the will of Stefano Lanza Filangeri, the last heir, who donated it to the Sicilian Region in 1982. 

The interior is splendid and a perfect example of the magnificence that characterised the aristocratic residences of Palermo in the past, with furnishings and works of art dating from the 17th to the 19th century.

For this tour of Palermo, I have devised two possible itineraries along the ‘Cassaro’, the oldest street in the city, please check below and choose the one you like best.

Itinerary 1: Palazzo Drago Airoldi – Quattro Canti (Four Corners, baroque heart of the city) – Marina square ( with its beautiful gardens) – Palazzo Mirto.

Itinerary 2: Quattro Canti (Four Corners, baroque heart of the city) – Ballarò market (one of the famous food street markets in Palermo. It will be just a quick passage through it on the way to the Palace) – Palazzo Conte Federico – Palazzo Drago Airoldi.

 

3h, 30 min – 4h

Private tour for individual visitors or small parties ( up to 6/8 max).

For more information and details about this tour please contact me at marilufichera@virgilio.it



Entrance tickets to the palaces to be visited.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Advance booking is required at Palazzo Conte Federico. 

In the Palazzi it is recommended to dress appropriately to the situation > ok casual dress code, no flip-flops shoes 🙂

I can meet you at your hotel/B&B or at a place in the historic centre that is most convenient for you.



PALERMO TOUR OF NOBLE PALACES

Meet the fascinating and charismatic nobles of Palermo in their magnificent historical houses.​
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Marilù Fichera

Guida turistica autorizzata dall’Assessorato Turismo, Sport e Spettacolo della Regione Sicilia. Pat. n° 596.