Musmeci Palace in Acireale
Jeanne boleyn - CC1.0
Palazzo Musmeci in Acireale is one of the greatest examples of Baroque civil architecture in the city.
It was built in the first half of the 17th century at the behest of Saverio Musmeci and suffered heavy damage following the earthquake of 1693.
The facade of the building spread over three floors. On the ground floor, the lava stone door is surmounted by a mask of exquisite workmanship. Every detail of the mask is worked with extreme skill and seems to want to instill fear in anyone who decides to cross the threshold: the fleshy nose, visible tongue and teeth and the drooping mustache. On the first floor, the noble floor, the balconies are adorned with splendid wrought iron railings. The top floor, reserved for servants, has small square windows framed by decorations and masks.
A majestic lava stone atrium welcomes the visitor. It has two lava stone columns surmounted by two lions, one with the family crest, the other with its paws above the globe. The atrium leads to an internal garden adorned with mythological statues. The interiors are of great value, reflecting the style and refinement of the exteriors.
The palace has hosted illustrious personalities such as King Ferdinand IV, King of the Two Sicilies, Lord William Bentinck and King Umberto I of Savoy.
Today the palace is privately owned.
