Palazzina Cinese (Chinese Palace), Palermo
The Chinese Palace (Palazzina Cinese) is a fascinating historical site in Palermo, within the park of La Favorita. This structure served as a royal residence for the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies and showcased an architectural style rich in Chinoiserie, an expression of European Romanticism's fascination with East Asian motifs and styles.
The Palace was commissioned by King Ferdinand III of Sicily in 1799 and designed by the architect Giuseppe Venanzio Marvuglia. It stands on land initially owned by Baron Benedetto Lombardo, featuring an original house also designed by Marvuglia that exhibited a distinctly Chinese architectural flair. The construction of the architectural complex, including its lavish gardens, spanned from 1800 to 1806, reflecting the exotic tastes and royal aspirations of the period.
In 1860, following the Unification of Italy, the Chinese Palace transitioned from the Bourbon monarchy to the House of Savoy. Eventually, it became a property of the Comune of Palermo and was transformed into a museum, further cementing its cultural and historical significance.
Today's museum hosts the Ethnographic Museum of Sicily, named after Giuseppe Pitrè, located within a guesthouse of the Palace. This museum provides insights into the local cultures and traditions of Sicily.
The Palace consists of three main floors, a semi-underground section, and two terraces. The ground floor includes the main living areas such as the entry hall, a small office, a dining room with a "magical" table, and the King's bedroom. The second floor is simpler and was used by servants, with areas divided by gender. The third floor is dedicated to Queen Maria Carolina of Austria, featuring her reception room, private chambers, and a terrace with garden views, accessible both internally and via external staircases. The top floor boasts an octagonal, pagoda-style terrace, enhancing the building's architectural uniqueness.
The Palace is also renowned for its artistic decorations, including paintings and frescoes by notable artists such as Giuseppe Velazquez and Vincenzo Riolo. These artworks further enhance the regal ambiance and historical depth of the Chinese Palace.
The Palace was commissioned by King Ferdinand III of Sicily in 1799 and designed by the architect Giuseppe Venanzio Marvuglia. It stands on land initially owned by Baron Benedetto Lombardo, featuring an original house also designed by Marvuglia that exhibited a distinctly Chinese architectural flair. The construction of the architectural complex, including its lavish gardens, spanned from 1800 to 1806, reflecting the exotic tastes and royal aspirations of the period.
In 1860, following the Unification of Italy, the Chinese Palace transitioned from the Bourbon monarchy to the House of Savoy. Eventually, it became a property of the Comune of Palermo and was transformed into a museum, further cementing its cultural and historical significance.
Today's museum hosts the Ethnographic Museum of Sicily, named after Giuseppe Pitrè, located within a guesthouse of the Palace. This museum provides insights into the local cultures and traditions of Sicily.
The Palace consists of three main floors, a semi-underground section, and two terraces. The ground floor includes the main living areas such as the entry hall, a small office, a dining room with a "magical" table, and the King's bedroom. The second floor is simpler and was used by servants, with areas divided by gender. The third floor is dedicated to Queen Maria Carolina of Austria, featuring her reception room, private chambers, and a terrace with garden views, accessible both internally and via external staircases. The top floor boasts an octagonal, pagoda-style terrace, enhancing the building's architectural uniqueness.
The Palace is also renowned for its artistic decorations, including paintings and frescoes by notable artists such as Giuseppe Velazquez and Vincenzo Riolo. These artworks further enhance the regal ambiance and historical depth of the Chinese Palace.
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Palazzina Cinese (Chinese Palace) on Map
Sight Name: Palazzina Cinese (Chinese Palace)
Sight Location: Palermo, Italy (See walking tours in Palermo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Palermo, Italy (See walking tours in Palermo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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