Palazzo degli Elefanti

Palazzo degli Elefanti, originally was called the Senatorial Palace, it is located on the northern side of Piazza Duomo and it’s the headquarters of the Municipality of Catania.

It was built to replace the medieval Loggia, which was destroyed by the earthquake in 1693, and the construction began in 1696. The building has a quadrangular shape with an entrance on each prospectus. At first were the architects Longobardi and Sanarelli deal to build the palace, but in 1732 the project passed to the famous Vaccarini that revolutionized the prospectus. The Palermo architect introduced the central balcony supported by four granite pillars, focal point of the building, from which use appear authorities during the day of Saint Aghata, also he decided to adorn the balconies’ gables with the letter “A”, the first letter of the Saint’s name, and with so many carved elephants from which derive the Palace’s name.

Carmelo Battaglia created the opposite prospectus, facing on University Square, in 1780. The fire of 1944, it was caused by a popular uprising, damaged the building and destroyed completely the historical City’s archives and the Risorgimental Museum. After a series of renovations, it’s the town hall of the city since 1953.

In the central courtyard are exposed the Senate’s carriages dating to the eighteenth century, that parade every year on the morning of February 3rd to make the procession to bring the votive candles to Saint Aghata, during celebrations for the city’s patron. There are also historical art works, paintings and frescoes in reception halls and in the Council Chamber inside the Palace made by the authors Giuseppe Sciuti, Francesco Contraffatto and Emilio Greco.