Villa Niscemi Explained

Villa Niscemi
Status:Representing Headquarters of the Comune of Palermo
Building Type:Villa
Architectural Style:Renaissance and Baroque
Client:Valguarnera family
Location:Palermo, Sicily, Italy
Address:Piazza dei Quartieri, 2
Floor Count:3
Start Date:16th century
Completion Date:18th century

Villa Niscemi is a villa in Palermo. It is located in the north-western part of the city, near La Favorita Park.

History

The villa has been the main residence of the noble Valguarnera family for about three centuries. The origins of the building date back to the 16th century, but the villa has taken the current aspect during the late 18th century. In fact, at that time, the Valguarnera family reconfigured the existing structure, by giving it a more Baroque physiognomy and enriching it of paintings, frescoes and other artworks.[1]

The famous jeweller Fulco di Verdura, son of Carolina Valguarnera, spent his childhood in this villa.[2]

In 1987 the Valguarnera family sold the villa to the Comune of Palermo and, thus, the villa has been chosen as one of the representing headquarters of the Mayor.[3]

In popular culture

The villa appeared on the seventh episode of The Amazing Race 25 as the pit stop.[4]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Chirco, Adriana. Palermo City Guide A Guided Tour of the City and Its Surroundings Through Historical Itineraries. Dario Flaccovio Editore. 2020. 114. 9788857903477.
  2. Web site: The enduring design legacy of Chanel, Dali and Verdura. The Jewellery Editor. Kemp. Ottilie. 14 June 2019. 25 January 2021.
  3. Book: Frei, Matt. Italy The Unfinished Revolution. Mandarin. 1996. 139. 9780749318666.
  4. Web site: 'The Amazing Race' season 25, episode 7 recap: Racing through Sicily. Hypable. Field. Sonya. 8 November 2014. 25 January 2021.