Villa Lampedusa
Piana dei Colli and the eighteenth-century villas
21 July 2022 - Categorie: Cities of Art and Villages, The places of the heart, Cultural tourism Tags:
North of Palermo, the capital of our beautiful Sicily and undisputed destination of world tourism, you may find the so-called Piana dei Colli, geographically delimited by Mount Pellegrino, Mount Gallo and Mount Billiemi. In the past, this area of the city was little or no urbanized, rich in waterways and lush vegetation that extended to the Gulf of Mondello. Precisely these aspects made it an ideal place for a holiday residence, an idea that teased the Palermitan nobility since the eighteenth century and who built several and sumptuous villas, today part of the architectural-cultural heritage of the city. Apart from these splendid villas, the area is an excellent starting point for many places to visit during your holidays in Sicily: from Mondello to the architectural beauties of Palermo, from the Zingaro Nature Reserve and San Vito Lo Capo to the salt mines of Trapani, Erice, the Egadi islands and the wineries of Marsala. This and much more to discover for a holiday dedicated to adventure.
The name Piana dei Colli derives from the mountains that surround it which height is not excessive and for this reason precisely defined "hills" (colli). Until the eighteenth century, the area was almost totally devoid of houses which were instead located near the sea, in the Mondello area. The reason for such scarce urbanization was the fragile security of the area as it was prey for pirates and the presence of marshes that made the area unhealthy. Once the probability of pirate raids decreased, the nobility and the new bourgeoisie of Palermo began to favor this area for the construction of large villas surrounded by large gardens as summer residences. Even today some of these villas are absolutely visible in the urbanized landscape. Worth mentioning are Villa Boscogrande, Villa Spina, Villa Niscemi and Villa Lampedusa. Villa Boscogrande was built at the behest of the Duke of Montalbo and the name by which it is known today is due precisely to the marriage of Lucia Montalbo with a member of the wealthy Boscogrande family. Today the Villa is a prestigious reception hall that hosts meetings and events.
The name Piana dei Colli derives from the mountains that surround it which height is not excessive and for this reason precisely defined "hills" (colli). Until the eighteenth century, the area was almost totally devoid of houses which were instead located near the sea, in the Mondello area. The reason for such scarce urbanization was the fragile security of the area as it was prey for pirates and the presence of marshes that made the area unhealthy. Once the probability of pirate raids decreased, the nobility and the new bourgeoisie of Palermo began to favor this area for the construction of large villas surrounded by large gardens as summer residences. Even today some of these villas are absolutely visible in the urbanized landscape. Worth mentioning are Villa Boscogrande, Villa Spina, Villa Niscemi and Villa Lampedusa. Villa Boscogrande was built at the behest of the Duke of Montalbo and the name by which it is known today is due precisely to the marriage of Lucia Montalbo with a member of the wealthy Boscogrande family. Today the Villa is a prestigious reception hall that hosts meetings and events.
Villa Boscogrande
Villa Spina
Villa Niscemi
Villa Spina is a wonderful residence in the heart of the greenery between Viale Duca degli Abruzzi and Via dei Quartieri built in 1676 by the Vanni-La Torre family and rich in eighteenth-century frescoes inside.
Villa Niscemi, which for centuries belonged to the Valguarnera princes, is today the representative office of the Municipality of Palermo and it is absolutely possible to visit it.
Finally, Villa Lampedusa is particularly known for being the residence and observatory of Giulio Fabrizio Tomasi, grandfather of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, as well as the place that inspired the writer for the Villa Salina where the Gattopardo opens.
In short, there are many things to see in Piana dei Colli and its surroundings but don't worry: if you ever get tired, you can always rest in one of our fantastic and modern luxury villas with private pools in this area of western Sicily.
Villa Niscemi, which for centuries belonged to the Valguarnera princes, is today the representative office of the Municipality of Palermo and it is absolutely possible to visit it.
Finally, Villa Lampedusa is particularly known for being the residence and observatory of Giulio Fabrizio Tomasi, grandfather of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, as well as the place that inspired the writer for the Villa Salina where the Gattopardo opens.
In short, there are many things to see in Piana dei Colli and its surroundings but don't worry: if you ever get tired, you can always rest in one of our fantastic and modern luxury villas with private pools in this area of western Sicily.
Recommended villas
L’Alba: Breathtaking villa with direct access to the sea in one of the major tourist attractions in Palermo: Mondello! Let yourself be lulled in the hammock by the sea breeze and the colors and scents of the sea that will stretch out before your eyes. A magical and unprecedented atmosphere, in the peace of Sicily's nature but within walking distance of the most coveted Palermo tourist scene ever.
Acquamarina: Wonderful villa with private swimming pool, immersed in a 3000 square metre garden and located in one of the most sought-after places of tourism in Sicily: Mondello. Ideal starting point for exploring the heart of north-western Sicily from Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo, from Caccamo to Monreale, from Marsala to Cefalù, this exquisite residence is ready to give you an adventure holiday in Sicily for just 700 metres from the beach, but also relaxation in its fantastic private swimming pool surrounded by the greenery of Sicilian nature.
Limonaia: With a park within the property of 3000 square meters, in a fairly quiet area of the fantastic Mondello, this splendid villa with a modern and Mediterranean taste is born. Its exquisite 50 sqm private swimming pool is ready to give you moments of peace and freshness even in the hottest hours that enrich the Sicilian days. Its large and shady patio, adorned with armchairs and sofas, will give you great moments of carefree sharing whether you are with family or friends.
Lilla: Just 350 m from the famous beach of Mondello, this elegant residence is born with a well-kept garden of 1500 square meters and a Mediterranean taste in which there is a magnificent private swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, ficus and banana trees. Despite the proximity to one of the most popular beaches for international tourism, the property will give you moments of peace and privacy while immersed in the colors and scents of our beautiful Sicily.
Brezza di Lula: In the area of the Capogallo Reserve, just 15 minutes by car from Palermo and about 2km from the splendid beach of Mondello, this delightful villa with refined taste and attention to every detail, comfortable and completely renovated, is born. The 2000 square meter garden, where the wonderful infinity pool is located, surrounded by centuries-old olive and palm trees, will give you moments of peace and privacy, far from the chaos of the city but within walking distance of one of the most sought-after Palermo nightlife. The perfect combination for your holidays in Sicily.
Acquamarina: Wonderful villa with private swimming pool, immersed in a 3000 square metre garden and located in one of the most sought-after places of tourism in Sicily: Mondello. Ideal starting point for exploring the heart of north-western Sicily from Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo, from Caccamo to Monreale, from Marsala to Cefalù, this exquisite residence is ready to give you an adventure holiday in Sicily for just 700 metres from the beach, but also relaxation in its fantastic private swimming pool surrounded by the greenery of Sicilian nature.
Limonaia: With a park within the property of 3000 square meters, in a fairly quiet area of the fantastic Mondello, this splendid villa with a modern and Mediterranean taste is born. Its exquisite 50 sqm private swimming pool is ready to give you moments of peace and freshness even in the hottest hours that enrich the Sicilian days. Its large and shady patio, adorned with armchairs and sofas, will give you great moments of carefree sharing whether you are with family or friends.
Lilla: Just 350 m from the famous beach of Mondello, this elegant residence is born with a well-kept garden of 1500 square meters and a Mediterranean taste in which there is a magnificent private swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, ficus and banana trees. Despite the proximity to one of the most popular beaches for international tourism, the property will give you moments of peace and privacy while immersed in the colors and scents of our beautiful Sicily.
Brezza di Lula: In the area of the Capogallo Reserve, just 15 minutes by car from Palermo and about 2km from the splendid beach of Mondello, this delightful villa with refined taste and attention to every detail, comfortable and completely renovated, is born. The 2000 square meter garden, where the wonderful infinity pool is located, surrounded by centuries-old olive and palm trees, will give you moments of peace and privacy, far from the chaos of the city but within walking distance of one of the most sought-after Palermo nightlife. The perfect combination for your holidays in Sicily.