Villa Malfitano, Palermo Travel Guide

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Explore the opulent Villa Malfitano Whitaker in Palermo: a journey through art, history, and botanical beauty in a stunning 19th-century estate.

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Villa Malfitano

Villa Malfitano Whitaker, located on Via Dante in Palermo, is a captivating 19th-century villa that once belonged to the Anglo-Sicilian Whitaker family. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing their impressive collection of art, artifacts, and natural history specimens, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of a prominent family during Palermo's golden age.

A brief summary to Villa Malfitano

Via Dante, 167, Palermo, Metropolitan City of Palermo, 90138, IT
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Monday 9 am-1 pm
Tuesday 9 am-1 pm
Wednesday 9 am-1 pm
Thursday 9 am-1 pm
Friday 9 am-1 pm
Saturday 9 am-1 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Villa Malfitano.

Book your visit in advance, especially if you desire a guided tour, as entry is often limited to specific dates and times.
Allow ample time to explore the extensive gardens, home to a diverse collection of rare and exotic plants.
Check the official website for updated opening hours and any special closures before planning your visit.
Consider a combined ticket to also visit the Island of Mozia and fully experience the Whitaker family's legacy.

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Explore Villa Malfitano on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Villa Malfitano, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Palermo Centrale train station, take bus line 106, 110, 134, or N5 towards Via Dante. Get off at the 'Dante Veneziano' stop, which is a 1-minute walk to the villa. A single bus ticket costs approximately €1.40.
Walking

From Piazza Castelnuovo, walk west along Via Ruggero Settimo, then turn left onto Via Dante. Continue for approximately 20 minutes; the villa will be on your right. This is a straightforward and pleasant walk through the city.
Taxi/Ride-sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Palermo. A taxi ride from Palermo Centrale train station to Villa Malfitano typically costs between €9-€11 and takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
Parking

If driving, be aware that Villa Malfitano is located within Palermo's Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL). Consider parking outside the ZTL and walking or taking public transport. Several parking garages are available outside the ZTL, such as those near Villa Trabia or Stazione Notarbartolo. On-street parking (blue lines) is also available, with fees payable via meters or mobile apps. Expect to pay around €1-€2 per hour for street parking or €10-€15 per day for a garage.

Discover more about Villa Malfitano

Villa Malfitano Whitaker, constructed between 1886 and 1889, stands as a testament to the grandeur of Palermo's Belle Époque. Built for Joseph Whitaker, an Anglo-Sicilian businessman, and his wife Tina, the villa reflects a blend of Neo-Renaissance and Eclectic architectural styles, designed by architect Ignazio Greco.The villa's interior is adorned with lavish decorations, including floral trompe-l'oeil frescoes by Ettore De Maria Bergler in the state rooms. Other rooms feature Flemish tapestries depicting scenes from the Aeneid, along with frescoes by Rocco Lentini and stuccoes by Salvatore Valenti. The villa houses an extensive collection of art, furniture, ceramics, and other artifacts collected by the Whitakers during their travels.Surrounding the villa is a sprawling seven-hectare garden designed by Emilio Kunzmann, showcasing a diverse collection of rare plants from around the world. The garden is divided into four distinct areas, featuring tropical essences, flower beds, a geometric design with caves, and a citrus grove.During the Belle Époque, Villa Malfitano was a hub of social activity, hosting lavish parties and welcoming notable figures such as Richard Wagner and members of European imperial dynasties. Today, the villa is the headquarters of the Whitaker Foundation and a museum, offering guided tours and a glimpse into the history and culture of 19th-century Palermo.