Villa Cerami, Catania
Villa Cerami, an emblem of Baroque grandeur in Catania, boasts a storied history intertwined with the city's resilience and artistic legacy. Originally a semirural villa on the outskirts of the urban center, it was constructed atop the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, some remnants of which are visible in nearby Stesicoro Square (Piazza Stesicoro). Today, Villa Cerami houses the School of Jurisprudence (Law) of the University of Catania, offering a striking blend of historical significance and contemporary academic use.
The villa’s history begins with Giuseppe Lanza, Duca di Camastra, later owned by the Duca di San Donato and acquired by Domenico Rosso, 3rd Prince of Cerami, in 1724. After the 1693 earthquake, architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini led its reconstruction, adding a grand staircase, portico, and Cerami coat of arms. Domenico’s son, the 4th Prince of Cerami, owned it from 1735 to 1768, befriending Ignazio Paternò Castello and aiding during the 1763 famine. In the late 19th century, Carlo Sada refurbished it for King Umberto I and Queen Margherita, replacing Olivio Sozzi’s fresco with Guido Reni’s Aurora.
The villa was neglected before being acquired by the University of Catania in 1957. Restoration efforts included converting the ballroom into the Great Hall and creating classrooms and a library. However, a controversial five-story modern glass tower was added in the 1960s, replacing part of the villa’s gardens.
Today, visitors are greeted by the Baroque portico, leading to a forecourt where the former carriage house (scuderia) has been repurposed into classrooms. Outside the villa’s portal stands a marble water font, a gift from the Cerami family to the neighborhood, echoing its enduring connection to the city. Villa Cerami remains a remarkable testament to Catania’s layered history and architectural evolution.
The villa’s history begins with Giuseppe Lanza, Duca di Camastra, later owned by the Duca di San Donato and acquired by Domenico Rosso, 3rd Prince of Cerami, in 1724. After the 1693 earthquake, architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini led its reconstruction, adding a grand staircase, portico, and Cerami coat of arms. Domenico’s son, the 4th Prince of Cerami, owned it from 1735 to 1768, befriending Ignazio Paternò Castello and aiding during the 1763 famine. In the late 19th century, Carlo Sada refurbished it for King Umberto I and Queen Margherita, replacing Olivio Sozzi’s fresco with Guido Reni’s Aurora.
The villa was neglected before being acquired by the University of Catania in 1957. Restoration efforts included converting the ballroom into the Great Hall and creating classrooms and a library. However, a controversial five-story modern glass tower was added in the 1960s, replacing part of the villa’s gardens.
Today, visitors are greeted by the Baroque portico, leading to a forecourt where the former carriage house (scuderia) has been repurposed into classrooms. Outside the villa’s portal stands a marble water font, a gift from the Cerami family to the neighborhood, echoing its enduring connection to the city. Villa Cerami remains a remarkable testament to Catania’s layered history and architectural evolution.
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Villa Cerami on Map
Sight Name: Villa Cerami
Sight Location: Catania, Italy (See walking tours in Catania)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Catania, Italy (See walking tours in Catania)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Catania, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Catania
Creating your own self-guided walk in Catania is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Just as many other Italian destinations, the Sicilian city of Catania is full of churches, especially in the historic center, where the presence of religious sites is particularly high! A good number of local churches date back centuries, and as such represent marvelous pieces of architecture, adding much character to the area. It is also commonplace to find inside most of them, be it a duomo,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Catania Introduction Walking Tour
The old Sicilian word "katane" is often translated as "harsh ground" or "sharp stones." Black lava from Mount Etna has swamped the area many times. Other disasters include earthquakes, invasions and wars.
The original village of Katane was occupied by Greek settlers in the eighth century BC. During the first Punic War, Catania became a Roman city. The Vandals... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
The original village of Katane was occupied by Greek settlers in the eighth century BC. During the first Punic War, Catania became a Roman city. The Vandals... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles