Palazzo Ajutamicristo - Palermo

Beautiful residence of Guglielmo Ajutamicristo, a wealthy merchant from Pisa who became a noble through his work as a banker. He commissioned the architect Matteo Carnalivari to build the palace in the last decade of the 15th century . At that time, the historic palace was the favorite residence of illustrious guests.

In 1500 it received Queen Giovanna, wife of King Don Ferrante of Naples; in 1535, Emperor Charles V stayed there because he could not stay in the royal palace, which was not suitable for his grandeur; In 1576 Don John of Austria, brother of King Philip II, winner of the Battle of Lepanto, was received there.

After becoming the property of the Moncada princes of Paternò, it was sold in the 19th century to the Calefati family of Canalotti and Tasca d'Almerita, who still own part of the palace, the other part having been bought by the Sicilian region . The building has a late 15th-century layout, which has been renovated several times over the centuries.

Particularly interesting is the ballroom with a ceiling with frescoes by Giuseppe Crestadoro depicting 'The Glory of the Virtuous Prince' . The ballroom has an area of 200 square meters and overlooks the flowery terrace.

Willem Vandenameele