Spadaro palace – Scicli
Palazzo Spadaro is a historic noble palace located in the charming via Francesco Mormina Penna, in the heart of the historic center of Scicli. The eighteenth-century building, formerly the home of the Spadaro barons, is one of the testimonies of the splendor and opulence of the feudal lord of Scicli. It is one of the few noble palaces in the city open to the public.
The building that belonged to the Spadaro family (of Modica origin who moved to Scicli in the 17th century) is spread over two floors with eight gates and as many overhanging balconies, interspersed with pilasters. The main door, as well as being richly decorated, houses a medallion with a rampant lion (symbol of the Spadaro family).
Although overall the facade of the building stands out as sober and noble in late Sicilian Baroque style, the interiors host several styles: from the eighteenth-century main “enfilade” system to the nineteenth-twentieth-century renovations passing through the regal Art Nouveau entrance.
Inside the building it is possible to admire eight rooms on the first floor, exquisitely decorated with stuccos and frescoes which, even if lacking some characteristic elements such as the period furniture and flooring, constitute communicating reception rooms.
The ballroom is striking for its refinement and grandeur thanks to the decorations and paintings that allow you to relive the atmosphere of the noble parties of the time.
In fact, here it is possible to admire the vault depicting Apollo and the nine Muses (second half of the 19th century), while medallions with allegorical and mythological themes and “almonds” with depictions of Greek statues stand out on the sides and corners. The imposing rock crystal chandelier embellished with hanging drops does not go unnoticed.
The alcove area, bordering the ballroom, retains all the original features such as the ceramic flooring of “Vietri sul Mare” in shades of green, blue, red and yellow, and the canvases, placed on the overdoors, with allegorical themes related to family virtues.
Scicli is a city, full of beautiful churches, monuments and ancient noble residences, Palazzo Spadaro is certainly a marvel to be discovered. Good walk!
