British families in Palermo

British Families in Palermo in the 19th Century :
Patronage and Cultural Grandeur

Few people know the economic and cultural influence a few British families had in Sicily during the 19^th century. It all started around 1810. The Liverpool merchant, John Woodhouse, realized that the grapes from the area of Marsala would make for a wonderful sweet wine similar to sherry. Following in his steps, other families, such as the Whitakers, also began producing and exporting the new-born Marsala wine. By the 1820’s, these families had already amassed a huge fortune, and Marsala wine was one of the most common desert wines of the European and American middle class and aristocracy. Beyond their economic power, the British families also had a notorious cultural influence. They were at the center of Palermo’s and Europe’s Belle Epoque life. The Whitakers built luxurious residences with lavish collections of art, natural science and archeology. They also supported excavations in Mozia and brought one of the most important sites of the Phoenician civilization to light.

ITINERARY

9.30 – 11.30 Tour of the Villa Amalfitano
Villa Amalfitano was the villa of the Whitakers in Palermo. Being one of the most sumptuous private residence in Sicily, the villa was the location for balls and concerts and hosted European kings and aristocrats. Built in the late 19^th century in the neo-renaissance style, the villa hosts the Whitakers’ collections, with particularly valuable artifacts such as two majestic animals in bronze coming from the Beijing Imperial Palace, 16^th century Flemish tapestries, and oil paintings by the famous 19^th century Sicilian artist Francesco Lo Jacono. Splendid furniture decorates a ballroom and a Louis 15^th-style saloon. The fame of the garden with its many rare plant species, was as wide-spread as that of the villa. You will have the opportunity to delight in the beauty of this garden.

12.00 – 12.30 Tour of Palermo’s Anglican church
The Church of the Holy Cross was built by Benjamin Ingham and Joseph Whitaker between 1871 and 1875 to provide the British community with a proper place for their religious observance. The Church is a fine example of New Gothic Architecture and hosts many English artifacts. English craftsmen and architects, in particular Francis Cranmer Penrose, director of works for London ‘s St Paul’s Cathedral, contributed to the architectural decoration. The church is a living testimony to the British community’s presence in Palermo.

12.30-13.00 Tour of the Grand Hotel des Palmes
The Hotel des Palmes is one of the most prestigious hotels in the city. The first British residence in Palermo, it was built by the Ingham family. In 1872, it was turned into an Hotel by the mastery of Ernesto Basile, the Palermitan architect of the Sicilian Belle Epoque. Originally a country house owned by the noble family of the Ventimiglia, the Ingham family rebuilt it in the mid-19^th century colonial style. It was their residence until 1872 when they sold it to Enrico Ragusa who transformed it into the Hotel des Palmes. It hosted many prestigious guests, such as Oscar Wilde and Richard Wagner.

Rates:

Number of participants	Prices per participant in euros
5-10	40.00
4	50.00
3	60.00
2	80.00
1	160.00

Contact us to book your private group tour. We will let you know about our availabilities and answer any questions you may have.