Beneventano Palace

Culture, Monuments
Piazza Duomo - 96100 Siracusa

    Originally erected by the Arezzo’s family, it was the site of the Queen’s Chamber, of the city Senate and hosted the Gerosolimitana Commendation of the Borgia family. In 1778 the house was bought by Baron Guglielmo Beneventano. From this time begins the renovation of the building that starting from the simple but powerful fifteenth century structure became the most representative baroque palace of Ortigia. The restoration work began the following year and went on for over a decade.

    In 1788 he started the decorations made by renowned artists. The architect who operated the changes was Luciano Ali; on the main facade stand out the monolith with the aristocratic weapons and the inscription that commemorates the visit of King Ferdinand of Bourbon who on April 25 of 1806 lived at the palace (here in 1798 was also guest Horatio Nelson when it passed from Syracuse to refuel before battle of Aboukir).

    Perhaps the best of genius of Alì can be appreciated inside, with its perspective effects, with light and shade. The vestibule by the decorated vault with a stucco depicting the Belisario’s begging, leads to the first courtyard, that recalls the patterns of the façade, with pairs of bined Corinthian columns. The effect of depth is further increased by the wise distribution of the proportions of the central staircase and the two side arches that increase the theatrical and volumetric effect. Above, strict Moors, silent guardians, stare the visitors.

    The floor of the courtyard is a unique example in Ortigia: a beautiful black and white cobbled ground draws a fanciful stone carpet. The two small vestibules which flank the central staircase enter the second courtyard where the hanging fountain with masks and the flourished balustrade perforated by the terrace stand out. Inside can be appreciated for its elegance and sobriety the chapel with the polychrome ceramic floor.