Bishop's Palace in Santa Lucia del Mela
Libero Rappazzo - CC4.0
The Episcopal Palace, or Prelatic Palace, in Santa Lucia del Mela, together with the Town Hall, represent the most prestigious civil architecture in the town.
It was built on commission from Monsignor Rao Grimaldi in 1608, under the direction of Vincenzo Firriati, the architect who directed the work of the cathedral. Following the earthquake of 1783 it was rebuilt and equipped with a passage that connects it directly to the cathedral.
The structure is built with living carved stones and has a lovely little garden attached. In the façade, a beautiful ashlar portal that ends with two pillars above which the noble arms of Mons. Rao are carved.
Inside, the building houses precious furnishings and a precious stone floor marble, damasks on the walls and important panels, such as the Annunciation by Antonello de Saliba and the Madonna del Riposo.
Inside there is the Diocesan Museum.
