Palazzo Zito in Cesaro

Palazzo Zito in Cesarò has become the headquarters of the management dell 'Nebrodi Park Authority but it also houses the rooms inside Museum of Knowledge of Nebrodi Traditions. If these reasons are not enough to organize a visit, then just think that it is one of the examples of noble architecture most sumptuous and best preserved farm in all of Sicily. Here is everything you need to know to better organize your visit.

The history of Palazzo Zito in Cesarò

The structure that is currently present in the historic center of Cesarò it was designed and then built starting in 1600. Over the years, it was remodeled and modified to adapt to the needs of the owners who gradually took turns inside it.

The project was started by the will of Zito family, local nobles and landowners, who decided to have this residence built not only to accommodate their large family and also the servants but above all to mark a break between their own economic and social condition and that of the mass of farmers who instead lived in the surrounding area and in many cases they were in the service of the Zito family.

Since the structure as a whole has been perfectly preserved, Palazzo Zito is also a perfect example of how the society of the time was characterized by a great discrepancy not only social but above all economic, so the building presents itself with very elegant environments all The interior and some adjacent structures typical of noble life such as the stables but also some buildings which housed the living and working areas of the servants such as the charcoal pit and the carpentry are also part of the property.

The architecture and works of art present in Palazzo Zito in Cesarò

The structure looks like a three-story building and is characterized by the presence of a beautiful terrace from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the historic center of Cesarò. Inside all the floors, which were actually built in different eras, however have the common feature of having the frescoed vaults with scenes of life or of a bucolic and rural nature. On the ground floor there is a courtyard which is characterized by two rooms, one red and one green, both richly decorated. In particular, scenes considered worthy of a living room of the time are proposed, such as those of hunting or relating to the four seasons. In various points of the building there are also noble coats of arms that can be traced back to the Zito family. The most interesting element of the Palace, however, is certainly represented by the reception hall which in addition to being richly decorated, still retains some original furnishings of the time. In particular, there are huge period carpets that cover almost the entire surface of the room, sofas in fine fabric, 20 chairs with gold trim and a huge mirror. The whole is completed by an original chandelier of the time which provided for the presence of over 100 candles. The building was totally restored in 2009.

What is possible to do in the surroundings or inside Palazzo Zito in Cesarò

As already underlined, within the palace in Cesarò is hosted on Museum of Knowledge of Nebrodi Traditions, so the two visits can be combined to optimize times. The museum houses a collection of artifacts that tell the life of the place, from the first discoveries and with particular attention to peasant life, as well as local cultural traditions.

Furthermore, Palazzo Zito is located nearby Nebrodi Natural Park, a beautiful one natural oasis where it is possible to admire specimens of local flora and fauna in their usual habitat. A place that is worth knowing, immersed in this pristine beauty is undoubtedly the Biviere Lake. Cesaro, however, is a small one old village which contains many other attractions that are worth a visit. Among these, the Mother Church of the Madonna Assunta which preserves a beautiful eighteenth-century sarcophagus which was made by Giovanni Antonio Romano Colonna. Furthermore, there is also the Church of San Calogero which, in addition to being richly adorned inside, is also known for hosting the fercolo of San Calogero, which it is the Patron saint of the country. Finally, it is possible to organize your visit to Palazzo Zito di Cesarò to coincide with the festival of the black pig and the Nebrodi porcini mushroom, an event much awaited by tourists and local citizens.

How can you get to your destination

To reach Cesarò the best way is certainly theauto. Both from Messina and from Palermo the highway to take is the A20, then those coming from the capital will take the Ss 117 while those coming from Messina will choose the Ss 116. From Catania, however, the reference road is the Ss 120. More complex , on the other hand, the route to take if you want to reach your destination on the train because Cesarò does not have its own railway station. The closest one for those coming from Palermo is Sant'Agata di Militello while for those coming from Messina the reference station is Capo D'Orlando. There is also a regular bus service with a stop also in Cesarò from the main Sicilian cities such as Catania, Palermo and Messina.