Palazzo Valguarnera a Palermo

Abstract

Between about 1750 and 1765, during the Borbon government, a favorable political circumstance determined, in the Island’s capitol, an evident develop of construction activity linked to the aristocratic class. In that period, by means of substantial restructuring and in some cases new construction, the most monumental and artistically meaningful noble palaces of Palermo’s historical center were built, involving significant economic resources and the main architects and artists. The news projects, beyond the different choices, followed two main criteria: -the scenic exaltation of the sequence portal-atrium-courtyard-staircase arranged along the same axis; -the extension of the salons enfilade, creating, at the end of the internal path, the main spaces, like the ballroom and, above all, the “Galleria”. This book is focused on the Valguarnera Palace considered one of the most important Sicilian late baroque artwork, thanks to its galleria, with a perforated vault, and a spectacular staircase. About this aristocratic mansion, the author analyzes the cultural context, the construction phases, the project choices and their inspiration sources, the history of client’s family and the architects involved.