palazzo biscari

Palazzo Biscari is not only the magnjficent palace of a powerful family, it is a monument to a way of life which has all but disappeared. It is not just huge, it is absolutely grand.Catania was destroyed by an earthquake in late 17th century and the aristocracy were quick to rebuild their palaces in Baroque style, which was well suited to 18th century vanity.The Paternò Castello Biscari family were the richest of the all and they were not shy of showing off their wealth. When there was a famine Prince Biscari fed the entire population of Catania at his expense, as the family had made their fortune trading wheat. The palace was a the time right facing the port and was built to impress the ships coming into Catania and surely it impressed!The façade is quite flat but the decoration of the French windows opening onto a vast terrace is overwhelming , closer in style to Mexican baroque rather than the restrained baroque of the Louvre, and the effect is dazzling. Only part of the staterooms are accessible as a wing is let out to a private club of the remaining Catania aristocracy, but the rococo ballroom is a must-see, as also the rococo spiral staircase leading to the minstrel's gallery above the ballroom, which is more akin to Capodimonte or Amalienborg than Mexico .There is no set fee, but a donation towards the upkeep is welcome. If you are lucky you might get the Prince and the Princess to show you around - they are absolutely charming and quite unassuming and also extremely witty, definitely worth a visit.

We arranged the private visit with the owner Ruggero through email (email address can be found from their official website) ahead of our trip. Communication was easy and efficient. Charge was 5 euros per person, subject to a minimum charge of 50 euros per group. The place was quite easy to find though we were a bit uncertain when we got there as the main door was closed.Ruggero gave us a warm welcome. He was proud of his family history and gave us a lot of interesting facts about the house. It helped us understand not just the house but also the city itself. The house was exquisite, and gave us a sense of how the nobility in Catania lived back in those days. The visit lasted for about an hour. We would recommend this tour. Do book in advance / directly with the owner to avoid disappointment.

This is a private property. Guided tours are irregular but if you are lucky then you must visit. The guide is a family member and co-owner. The public rooms are exquisite

we did not visit this. Private residence as it was closed, but part of the building structure is a very small museum it is Museum & Fashion. It will take less than a hour. There is a small charge and the lady there is very personable and will give a very detailed explanation of the exhibit. She will also recommend a restaurant if you ask. My recommendation is to drop in and look. It has unique displays.

People who wrote bad reviews of this have misunderstood. It is private and the audioguide sign outside refers to a citywide street guide. The opening times are not regular, just ask at the tourist office nearby and if it opens when you are in Catania don't miss it. Charging 5 euros when we went, well worth it.

danced tango there, good to look at, bad floor for dancing and the heat was unbearable...................................................

Francesco, manager of the Liberty Hotel, told us that for a few weeks in July the Palazzo Biscari provided free tours at noon. The palace, built by the Paternò Castello family following the 1693 earthquake, is one of the greatest palazzi of Catania and well worth a visit. We dutifully showed up along with a small group of French and Italian visitors and were treated to a visit to this extraordinary palace conducted by a cheerful and knowledgeable guide who seemed particularly happy to make jokes at the expense of the princely family whose portraits hang throughout the public rooms of the palace. Only toward the end did we learn that he was Ruggero Moncada Paterno Castello, a member of the Biscari family, who simply enjoyed giving tours of his family's palace.

A beautiful place with a fascinating history, told by none other than the present count Ruggiero, a most enchanting host!

Rubbish. Walked all the way there on strength of reviews and sign outside which even said it had an audio guide in about five different languages. Looking for a way to get in an old man beckoned us to him and we asked where is was . . . . he shock his arm furiously and said privato to us gentle folk. Hmmm o dear . .

Other reviewers have said that the owner does private tours of the building. This is not the case. When we arrived, we were told that it was a private building and were ushered out of the courtyard. Yet outside there is a sign which says 'audio guide'. Not acceptable, most disappointing.

Take the little tourist road train for a tour of the city. Have coffee and little cakes in one of the cares and pose by the elephant fountain.

Palazzo Biscari is alive, as the original owners still leave there. Unfortunately some hidden treasure are in their homes. What is open to the public gives a real idea of a southern palace filled with frescos, enormous rooms and a great view over the sea and the fish market. If you happen to run in one of the owners you might get the chance to see more than what is available to the general public. The small Museum inside hides a collection of greek and roman pieces, but also the scientific instruments dating 200 yrs or so the Prince used to study the sky and the stars .... again another movie set-

Palazzo Biscari is an amazing privately owned home. It doesn't cost money to get in. The owner gives private tours and tells you the history of his home. Beautiful architecture and interior frescos.

we stayed in the B&B of 2 rooms in the palazzo. so we had a guided tour by the owner, what an amazing place

Один из самых важных архитекрурных памятников города Катания. Три покаления строили палаццо Бискари.