Palazzo Biscari

Palazzo Biscari is a large Baroque noble palace on Via Museo Biscari 10-16 in the Giudecca district of Catania, in eastern Sicily. It was built between 1695 and 1763 by the Princes of Biscari, the Paterno Castello family, in the years of reconstruction following the earthquake of 1693. The palace was built in stages, partly against the old city walls and the sea bastions, and its long frontage reflects a family that played a leading role in the cultural life of 18th-century Catania. Its character is that of a Sicilian Baroque palazzo, with richly carved balconies supported by grotesque figures, a monumental staircase and a ballroom decorated with stucco and painted ceilings. The princes also formed a famous private museum and antiquities collection at the palace, which gave the street its name, Via Museo Biscari. The collection was a significant reference for travellers on the Grand Tour. The palace remains in private ownership, so it is not a regular museum, and visits are by event or special opening only. That means casual visitors usually see the exterior, with the facade and balconies visible from the street, while interiors are accessed when the owners hold events or open the rooms for guided visits. Restoration of the facade, rooms and frescoed ceilings has been carried out over the years, and the palace is in good condition. Visitors who want to see the interiors should ask locally or check event listings for special openings. The palace is close to the Castello Ursino and the seafront, and it can be combined with a walk through the Giudecca quarter and the nearby Pescheria market.