Palazzo Ajutamicristo

palazzo ajutamicristo rosso

Palermo is a very intimate and secret city, hiding many of its beauties. Walking in the historic centre full of contrasts, you come across beautiful squares and opulent restored buildings and in other very decadent and crumbling ones.
To fully understand what the beautiful mansions only suggest with their facades one must enter them.
You will be received by the owners, children of the ‘Leopards’, aristocrats and modern entrepreneurs at the same time.

Brief History

Palazzo Ajutamicristo takes its name after Guglielmo Ajutamicristo, a banker of Pisan origin who had it built for his family between 1495-1501.
The distinguished architect Matteo Carnilivari (architect of Palazzo Abatellis) was entrusted with the building of the Palace but, because of the expense, the initially grandiose plans had to be modified and the Palazzo was only partially comleted. 

At that time Palazzo Ajutamicristo was the favourite place of abode for many notable figures. In 1500, Queen Giovanna, the wife of King Don Ferrante of Naples stayed there; in 1535 it hosted the Emperor Charles V, as Palermo's Royal Palace was not considered sufficiently grand; in 1544 the King of Tunisia, Muley Hassan, stayed there, shortly before being blinded by his son Ajaja; in 1576 King Philip's brother, Don Juan of Austria, was also hosted here.

In 1588 Margherita Ajutamicristo rented the Palazzo to Francesco Moncada, first prince of Paternò, for an annual sum of 390 ounces. Soon afterwards he was to become the owner.

In XIX century the Moncada family sold the ownership of the palace to Baron Calefati di Canalotti and the Tasca d'Almerita family; the Calefati house still holds to this day its share of the property, while the other half was purchased by the local authority Regione Siciliana

The Palazzo

The Palazzo, which originally dates back to the late 15th century, has been continuously expanded and modified throughout the centuries.
Substantial restoration and preservation projects have been completed throughout the Palazzo.

Of particular interest is the frescoed ballroom ceiling representing "The Glory of the Virtuous Prince", painted by Giuseppe Crestadoro, which crowns the 200 sq. m. room leading to the flowered terrace.

Palazzo Ajutamicristo is listed as a National Monument and belongs to the Italian Historic Houses Association.

The Visit
The owners, living permanently at Palazzo, will personally receive the guests.


 

 

 

sec. XV - Palermo

Excursion:

Private visit for small groups minimum
6 people

Transportation:

private transfers on request 

Period: all year round - reservation is required 


Duration:
 1 hour and half 


Quote: 
on request


Including:
 private visit of the Palace received by the owners and drink 

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We can arrange at Palazzo private lunches, gala dinners and Sicilian cooking classes in the beautiful historical kitchen.  

In the XV century loggia or the garden terrace, "Cortile del Petrosino", which open out towards two ample courtyards, flush with exotic palms,
oleanders and banana trees, we can arrange exclusive
refreshements.

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Info & reservation

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Copyright © 2013-2018 Private Sicily di Lai Viaggi S.r.l. - P. IVA 00772170825. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction of all or part of this website content  is prohibited.

tel: +39091583728 - fax: +39091589995 - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.