Palazzo Comitini: A Baroque Jewel in Palermo

Palazzo Comitini, or Palazzo Gravina di Comitini, stands as a magnificent example of Baroque architecture in the heart of Palermo. Located on Via Maqueda, this historical palace was constructed between 1766 and 1781 by architect Nicolò Palma, commissioned by Michele Gravina Cruillas, the Prince of Comitini. The palace served as the aristocratic home of the Princes of Gravina for 150 years. The facade features stone columns framing the main entrance, adorned with decorative elements. In 1931, an additional floor was added, and the building became the seat of the Province, now the Metropolitan City of Palermo. The interiors are lavishly decorated with late-Baroque and Neoclassical elements. The "Sala Martorana" is a highlight, featuring a ceiling fresco, 'The Triumph of True Love' by Gioacchino Martorana, surrounded by gilded decorations and mirrors. The palace also displays 19th-century paintings by Piera Lombardo, Domenico De Vanna, and Giovanni Filippone. The Majolica floor in Sala Martorana was crafted in Neapolitan kilns and signed by Attanasio. Today, Palazzo Comitini hosts guided tours, allowing visitors to admire its stuccos, frescoes, and halls adorned with historical artworks. The palace is accessible to blind and disabled visitors and offers parking for disabled individuals.