Giardina Palace in Ficarazzi

Garden Palace, also known by the nickname of Castello, is the main historical point of interest in the city. Built during the XNUMXth century at the behest of Pietro Speciale, Praetor of Palermo, it was the point from which the urban development of Ficarazzi began. The Palace includes a religious building, namely the Church of the Ascension and a tower, initially conceived as a defense against pirate attacks, after the restructuring of 1727 by Luigi Giardina and Massa Grimaldi (Marquis of Santa Ninfa), became an aristocratic residence of the Giardina family. In fact, this restoration focused on the elimination of all military elements.
In 1733 the property was donated by Emperor Charles VI to Luigi Giardina De Guevara who had an imposing staircase with balustrade and a Gothic chapel built. Subsequently, in 1812, since the castle was no longer used for a defensive function, the halls were decorated and enlarged while the external walls were enriched with windows and balconies. Following the extinction of this family, the Palace became the property of the descendants of Giardina Naselli and Giardina Cannizzaro. However, it was subsequently sold to the Macchiarella family who, upon the death of the last descendant, donated it to the Theatine Sisters of the Immaculate Conception.

Architecture of Palazzo Giardina in Ficarazzi

Despite the various restorations that have taken place over the centuries, of the original structure of Garden Palace it is still possible to admire the remains of the tower and the crucifix sculpted by Francesco Pitorno also known by the name of Fra Umile di Petralia. Thanks to the renovation which took place in the first half of the 1700s at the behest of the Giardina family of Palermo, the palace completely changed its appearance. Of that renovation remain the eastern wing, the halls, the terraces but above all the imposing stone staircase. The main façade was also enriched with stucco decorations and wrought iron balconies. In those same years, the hillock was connected to the main floor via a staircase with a balustrade and supported by arches and joints. Currently what can be admired is a villa from eighteenth-century style while of the ancient structure dating back to 1400 only the portions incorporated during the renovations remain. These are visible in the rear elevation of the building and are a small window of Spanish inspiration, some slits intended for the use of different weapons and slits.
The structure is currently inhabited by Congregation of the Theatine Sisters of the Immaculate Conception therefore it is not possible to visit the interior.

What to do near Palazzo Giardina in Ficarazzi

Il Giardina Palace in Ficarazzi it is located in the center of the town, therefore in the immediate vicinity it is possible to visit places of historical and artistic interest but also admire monuments, squares and splendid religious buildings. More specifically, it is possible to mention the Church of Sant'Atanasio, Aqueducts , Cordova Tower.
Ficarazzi is also just over 10 km from Palermo and for this reason it can be an excellent idea for a trip out of town but also an intermediate stop on the journey to reach the east coast of the island.

How to reach Palazzo Giardina in Ficarazzi

It is possible to reach Palazzo Giardina in Ficarazzi starting from the main urban centres. Starting from Palermo by car it is necessary to take the SS113. By train it is necessary to leave from Palermo Centrale station and reach Ficarazzi station.

Starting from Messina by car it is necessary to take the A20 and A19 motorways until the Bagheria exit, then continue on the SP87 towards Ficarazzi. By train it is necessary to leave from the Messina Centrale station and reach the Ficarazzi station while by bus it is possible to take advantage of the Sais Autolinee company.

From Catania by car it is necessary to take the A19 motorway towards Palermo until the Bagheria exit, then continue on the SP87 towards Ficarazzi. By train it is possible to leave from the Catania Centrale station and reach the Ficarazzi station while by bus it is necessary to use the Sais Autolinee company.