Address: Via Garibaldi 23 – 90133 Palermo Italy
Phone: +39 091 6161894
Website: www.palazzo-ajutamicristo.com/

Palazzo Ajutamicristo is located in the heart of the historical centre of Palermo, just a few steps from other important monuments and close to the main means of transportation. Important conservation and restoration projects have been completed throughout the  Palazzo. The frescoed ballroom ceiling, painted by Giuseppe Crestadoro, representing “The Glory of the Virtuous Prince”, is of particular interest, crowning the 200 sq. m. room which leads to the flowered terrace. Palazzo Ajutamicristo is listed as a National Monument and belongs to the Italian Historic Houses Association. Reception is personally taken care of by the Palazzo’s owners. Guests are free to wander in the XV century loggia or the garden terrace, “Cortile del Petrosino”, which open towards two ample courtyards, full of exotic palms, oleanders and banana trees.

Palazzo Ajutamicristo takes its name from Guglielmo Ajutamicristo, baron of Misilmeri and Calatafimi, who had it built for his family between the years 1495 and 1501. A banker of Pisan origin, he had grown rich over a few decades trading in Sicilian cheese and cereals. Having got tired of his castle in Misilmeri, he had long wanted to build a “Domus Magna”, which would do justice to his wealth and grace the city of Palermo. The opportunity arose when the distinguished architect Matteo Carnilivari came to Palermo. He was entrusted with the building of the Palazzo on the road to Termini Gate (as well as with other important buildings, such as Palazzo Abatellis, which is nowadays the Regional Art Gallery). Because of the expense, the initially grandiose plans had to be modified and the Palazzo was only partially completed.

At that time Palazzo Ajutamicristo was the favourite place of abode of many notable figures. In 1500, Queen Giovanna, the wife of King Don Ferrante of Naples stayed there; in 1535 it hosted the Emperor Charles V, as Palermo’s Royal Palace was not considered sufficiently grand; in 1544 the King of Tunisia, Muley Hassan, stayed there, shortly before having his eyes put out by his son Ajaja; in 1576 King Philip’s brother, Don Juan of Austria, who had been victorious at Lepanto, was also hosted there. In 1588 Margherita Ajutamicristo rented the Palazzo to Francesco Moncada, first prince of Paternò, for an annual sum of 390 ounces. Soon afterwards he was to become the owner.

In the XIX century the building became the property of the Barons Calefati di Canalotti, who currently own it. If you have only one night to spend in Palermo, treat yourself with a stay here.