Palazzo Conte Federico - Palermo
The Palazzo Conte Federico is one of the oldest and most important buildings in Palermo. It is in the centre of the old city only a few steps away from the Cathedral, the Palazzo Reale and the Cappella Palatina. It has two entrances, one on the Via dei Biscottari and one on the Piazza Conte Federico.
The palace is built on Punic-Roman city walls which originally surrounded ancient Panormus. The tower on the south side of the palace is one of the few remaining parts of the old city wall. It dates back to the 12th century and is Arabic-Norman origin. Above the double-arched Norman windows can be seen the coat of arms of the imperial family of the Hohenstaufen, of the kingdom of Aragonia and the city of Palermo.
In the course of the centuries Palazzo Conte Federico has undergone several reconstructions. Because of this you can observe various architectural styles: High painted ceilings from the 14th century, Baroque ceiling frescoes by Vito D'Anna and Gaspare Serenario, various sculptures and Marabitti’s lion fountain from the 17th century as well as the grand stairway with the interior walls done by Marvuglia.
In the numerous halls valuable antiques and paintings can be admired. Of special notice is the weapon collection in the knights' hall.
Since Conte Federico’s family, which can be followed back to the Staufen Emperor Friedrich II., has lived in this palace for centuries the personal atmosphere remains and makes a visit to this historic building a unique experience.
Cooking Classes
Cooking classes in the old kitchen rooms. The prepared dishes will be delighted in a torch-lit atmosphere in the Torre di Scrigno. (4 hours)
Honeymoon in the Conte Federico’s Palace
Count Federico offers newly-weds a honeymoon into the past - an unforgettable experience !
Instead of being the legendary Mafia homeland, Sicily now shows its other side; as a well-loved but highly disputed Mediterranean island with blossoming lemon trees, a sunny climate and a thousand years of history.
The highly adorned halls of the palace bring past centuries back to life. In this unique atmosphere you can stroll through medieval halls or relax on luxurious sofas and daydream under Baroque frescoes.
Count Federico allows the newly-weds free use of the emperor’s chambers. This includes the medieval entrance hall with the Hohenstaufen imperial coat of arms, the Yellow Salon with its painted wooden ceiling dating back to the 15th century and the Count Federico's coat of arms, the Blue Salon with its valuable Sicilian ceramics collection and a famous gold-framed Madonna painting from the 15th century Siena School and finally the Baroque dance hall with a grand fresco by Gaspare Serenario. The adjoining bedroom is a special jewel of the palace. In the medieval times it was Count Federico’s bedroom and the original furniture and the large canopy bed still remain. Along the walls above the exquisite silk wallpaper the coat of arms of all the noble ladies who married into the Count Federico’s family are aligned.
The bride and groom will be received by the Count personally and then led to the Emperor’s chambers. In these rooms the guests should feel at home as if they were the emperor and empress themselves.
A breakfast of traditional Sicilian delicacies will be served in the various salons with soft Baroque music adding to the special atmosphere. If desired a first class pianist could entertain on the valuable Pleyel grand piano in the concert hall.
During the day the Count could escort the guests through the other palace rooms, such as the knights' hall, the highly adorned Baroque rooms and the Norman-Arabic tower.
On the final evening the bride and groom will join the Count and the Countess in the great dining room for a princely dinner. The long table is set with silver and crystal and the guests will enjoy traditional Sicilian delicacies and wine.
And last but not least Count Federico will give his blessings to the newly- weds.
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