Background

Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi, Palermo Travel Guide

4.3 (304)

Step back in time at Palermo's Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi, an opulent 18th-century palace and iconic film location of 'The Leopard'.

Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi is a magnificent example of late Sicilian Baroque architecture in Palermo. Built in the 18th century, this opulent palace offers visitors a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the island's aristocracy, most notably serving as a primary filming location for Luchino Visconti's 'The Leopard'.

A brief summary to Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi

  • Piazza Croce dei Vespri, 6, Palermo, Metropolitan City of Palermo, 90133, IT
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi.

  • Visit on weekdays to avoid large crowds for a more intimate experience.
  • Check for special events or exhibitions before your visit to enhance your experience.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and significance of the palace.
  • Photography may be restricted, so be prepared to focus on enjoying the beauty of the palace.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Explore Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi, mapped for you.

Unlock the Best of Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi

Buy tickets

  • No tickets available

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Palermo Cathedral, head south on Via Matteo Bonello towards Via Maqueda. Continue until Piazza dei Villini, then turn left onto Via Roma. Turn right to stay on Via Roma and continue to Via Croce dei Vespri. Turn left, and Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi is at Piazza Croce dei Vespri, 6. Walking from Teatro Massimo, head south on Via Maqueda until Via Roma. Turn left onto Via Roma, then right onto Via Croce dei Vespri. The palace is at Piazza Croce dei Vespri, 6. Walking is free.

  • Public Transport

    From Palermo's central train station at Piazza Giulio Cesare, take Bus Line 104 towards 'Borgo Nuovo'. After about 15 minutes, get off at the 'Piazza Croce dei Vespri' stop. Walk a short distance to the northeast to Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi at Piazza Croce dei Vespri, 6. Alternatively, take Tram Line 1 towards 'Notarbartolo' and get off at 'Piazza Verdi'. Walk towards Via Maqueda, turn right, continue to Corso Vittorio Emanuele, turn left, and proceed to Piazza Croce dei Vespri. A single bus or tram ticket costs €1.40, valid for 90 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Palermo. A taxi ride from the Palermo Centrale train station to Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi, approximately 1.5 km, will cost around €6.40 base fare plus €0.8 per km, totaling approximately €7.60. Note that fares may vary based on time of day and traffic.

Discover more about Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi

Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi, located in Piazza Croce dei Vespri, stands as one of Palermo's most representative palaces of the late Baroque period. Its history began with the expansion of the Guzzetta palace by Prince Pietro Valguarnera in the mid-18th century. The Valguarnera family owned the palace until 1820, when Princess Giovanna Valguarnera brought it as a dowry to her husband, Giuseppe Mantegna, Prince of Gangi. The Gangi family still resides in the palace, preserving its ancient splendor.The palace's design is attributed to the Trapani architect Andrea Gigante, with interiors crafted by renowned artists such as Interguglielmi, Serenario, Fumagalli, Velasco, and Marabitti. The facade features a portal with gray stone columns and the coat of arms of the Mantegna princes of Gangi. Inside, a porticoed courtyard leads to a grand staircase and vestibule adorned with rich decorations. The palace also overlooks Piazza Sant'Anna with a hanging garden.The interior boasts a series of halls with precious furnishings, decorations, furniture, tapestries, glassware, and porcelain. The openwork vault of the great ballroom is architecturally audacious, inspired by Baroque taste. The palace is famed for being the location where Luchino Visconti filmed the ballroom scene in 'The Leopard'. Today, the ballroom can be hired for functions, while the rest of the palace remains a private residence.Visiting Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi offers an immersive experience into the history and architectural beauty of Sicily.
Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



Explore More of Palermo

Looking beyond Palazzo Valguarnera Gangi? Discover Palermo for broader travel guides, local hot-spots, and regional highlights.

Explore Palermo

Select Currency