Palazzo delle Aquile: Palermo's City Hall

Palazzo delle Aquile, or Palazzo Pretorio, is Palermo's most representative civic building, serving as the seat of the city council. Construction began in 1470 by architect Giacomo Bonfante, commissioned by Praetor Pietro Speciale. Over the centuries, the palace underwent several expansions and renovations, notably in 1553 when the main entrance shifted to Piazza Pretoria. A further renovation between 1874 and 1891, led by architect Giuseppe Damiani Almeyda, gave the palace its current form. The palace's main facade features a statue of Palermo's patron saint, St. Rosalia, created by Carlo D'Aprile in 1661. Numerous eagles, the symbol of the city and a legacy of Roman power, adorn the facade and interior, hence the name "Palazzo delle Aquile". At the top of the building, at each of the four corners, are four cement eagles. Inside, visitors can explore the Sala Rossa (the Mayor's office), the Sala Gialla (where the City Council meets), and the Sala delle Lapidi, named for the marble inscriptions documenting the city's history. The Sala Garibaldi features marble slabs with excerpts from Garibaldi's speeches. The palace also houses one of the most famous busts of the Genius of Palermo, the city's secular protector. A WWII bomb shelter discovered underground can also be toured.