Convitto Cutelli (Cutelli Boarding School), Catania

The "Mario Cutelli" National Boarding School (Convitto Cutelli) stands as an architectural jewel in Catania, exemplifying the grandeur and style of 18th-century design. Constructed in the aftermath of the devastating 17th-century earthquake, the building reflects the neoclassical architectural trends that emerged during Catania’s reconstruction. Its elegant façade on Via Vittorio Emanuele, designed by Francesco Battaglia, extends to adjacent streets, embodying a harmonious blend of form and design.

The structure’s highlights include a monumental circular courtyard, attributed to Abbot Giovan Battista Vaccarini, a disciple of Vanvitelli. The courtyard’s black-and-white patterned floor, statues of Time and Fame beneath the large clock tower, and its geometric perfection immediately captivate visitors. Vaccarini collaborated with Battaglia to achieve this synthesis of purity and elegance.

Inside, a grand marble staircase leads to the upper floor, where the Great Hall commands attention. This hall features frescoes depicting Sicilian luminaries from the realms of science and law, including Charondas, Empedocles, and Theocritus. The hall also bears historical significance; in 1837, it hosted the trials of insurgents against Bourbon rule. A commemorative plaque, added in 1926 and designed by sculptor Luciano Condorelli, adorns the external façade.

The origins of the boarding school trace back to the 1654 will of its founder, jurist Mario Cutelli, Count of Villa Rosata. He envisioned a "college of noblemen in the style of Spain," similar to Salamanca. Following the extinction of the male Cutelli line in 1747, the assets were allocated for the college’s establishment. The building’s construction began around 1760, guided by notable trustees and architects, and was completed through a unique collaboration between Vaccarini and Battaglia.

Today, "Mario Cutelli" National Boarding School building houses an elementary school, a lower secondary school, and a European Classical High School, continuing its legacy of education. Its architectural splendor, historical significance, and enduring function make it a symbol of Catania’s resilience and cultural richness.