Leave the 21st century behind when you walk through the doors of Villa Valguarnera, an aristocratic villa where your host is a Sicilian princess.
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Gulf of Palermo”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]
Leave the 21st century behind when you walk through the doors of Villa Valguarnera, an aristocratic villa where your host is a Sicilian princess. Three elegant reception rooms and the ballroom of the piano nobile, all adorned with gilded stucco and delicate miniature frescoes, have stunning views of the Gulf of Palermo, while the library, with books dating back to the 16th century, make this villa a place where you can experience the aristocratic life from the inside.
The villa has recently been restored – a story that inspired director Tornatore (of Cinema Paradiso fame) when creating the launch video for the Dolce and Gabbana perfume, Rose Excelsa. It was filmed in the villa, with the role of the Princess played by Sophia Loren.
Built in the 18th century, Villa Valguarnera became one of the intellectual centres of Sicily – the eclectic list of guests reads like an intellectual and artistic Who’s Who – Goethe, Stendhal, the exiled Queen of Austria, Salvador Dalì, Dacia Maraini and Manolo Blanik.
Guests can begin their stay speaking with the Princess Vittoria Alliata di Villafranca, over one of the wines created by her father, the perfect initiation into the rich and complex history of Sicily. There is much to see and do here – but whether dining in the fishing village of Porticello, taking a cooking class, or visiting the UNESCO protected Byzantine mosaics of Cefalù and Palermo, you will come back home to live your own piece of Italian history. www.sicilyluxuryvillas.com/villas/villa-valguarnera/
Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.
If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on World Travel Magazine, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.
And if you liked this story, subscribe to our bi-monthly World Travel Magazine, a handpicked selection of editorial features and stories from Global Destinations, Inspire Me, Insider, Style File, Wellness & Travel, City Travel, Suite Life, At Leisure, Short Breaks and much more.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
