Overview
In these reflections Sicilian writer Tomasi di Lampedusa puts in Prince Salina's head in his "Leopard", 1860's Palermo looks gloomy, almost overwhelmed by the awesomeness of its religious buildings; its low plebeian houses look like sad and sombre ant nests, where miserable Palermitans hole up to seek refuge from their rulers' arrogance, foreign or Italian as they may be. Today Palermo is different, driven by a powerful spirit of renewal, a will to bring its glorious historical centre back to new lustre. That's why Palermo's ancient heart is all blooming with restoration works, lots of Palermitans leave modern residential areas and move back to downtown characteristic lanes, alleys and paved streets, to find - yet again - a city less estranged from itself, proudly aware of its rich past.
If you wish to know THIS Palermo, shining with its three sunlighted seasons, boasting its monuments, history and multiform culture, driven by a mighty joie de vivre, we at soloSicily have a place fully reflecting this image of enlightened renewal, where you can amazingly discover ultramodern interiors - inspired by a concept of utmost functionality and aesthetic rigour - in an ancient palace yet exhaling an aura of past nobility. In Palermo, as in Paris, contemporary design combines with respect of past grandeur in a district unvealing a 2 milleniums-long history.
Property details
Case Florio develop on 2 levels, on the 2nd and 3rd floor of an ancient palace close to Santa Maria La Nova and San Domenico churches, a stone's throw from Vucciria street market. On the 2nd floor you'll find a bright living/dining room with comfortable double sofa bed, a double bedroom, a bathroom with shower and a fully equipped kitchen. The apartment also comes with a spacious terrace overlooking the characteristic town roofs and a furnished gazebo, where you can have your meals in the beautiful spring or fall sunny days, or in warm summer nights. On the 3rd floor you'll find an elegant living/dining room with small balcony, a study with queen size sofa bed, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with shower, and a large double bedroom, with mezzanine hosting a sofa and a cosy reading corner. Both the apartments are equipped with air conditioning and heating, internet connection, LCD satellite TV and stereo CD/DVD player.
Area details
Palermo's old promenade, the so-called Foro Italico, is at 15min walking distance, and there you can get a glimpse of the real palermitan-style life, especially on Sundays - when lots of people get there to walk, or have a picnic under the palm trees and on the wide green lawns - or during Santa Rosalia Fest, on July 15th. The major museums and town monuments are close to your doorstep. Walking either through the picturesque Vucciria market streets, or Via Roma and the parallel Via Maqueda, you'll find shops of all kinds, restaurans, sandwich-bars, grill-rooms, ice-cream and pastry makers, bars, pubs and night clubs for all tastes. The Central Railway Station is at less than 15min walking distance, and from there trains and trips of both urban and suburban bus companies leave towards several destinations. Therefore, if you wish to reach Mondello beach, or have a trip to Monreale and visit its amazing Cathedral - Cefalù or Trapani, to walk among the streets of their pretty historical centres - Segesta, to gaze at its suggestive Doric Temple and still working ancient Theatre - or Erice, to experiment the fascination of an old medieval village - and Bagheria, to see its gorgeous Baroque noble villas - you just have to get there and choose where to go!
Additional Information
You can book Case Florio both separately or together - if you are a large family or group. Breakfast will be provided on request by an excellent coffee bar, carefully selected by the property owners.