Historical background
The history of the Palace begins around the mid-15th century, but the so-called “grande maison” only becomes a palace between 1749 and 1759, when Pietro and Marianna Valguarnera, princes of Gangi, surround themselves with renowned Sicilian artists and transform it into a refined and vibrant place.

The Palace
Known to many as the location of the famous ball scene in Luchino Visconti’s film “The Leopard,” it is undoubtedly the most beautiful 18th-century private residence in the city. Still owned by the direct descendants of the Valguarnera family, who built the palace over three centuries ago, it has hosted prominent figures such as Queen Elizabeth, Edward VII, and Richard Wagner.

The beauty of its salons is dazzling, and the meticulous restoration work, which has been ongoing for about 20 years and overseen personally by the princess in every detail, is impeccable and has restored the building to its former glory.

“The Hall of Mirrors is a grand gallery, wonderfully rococo and at times whimsical, a masterpiece of Baroque with entirely gold paneling and doors, painted with lush flowers fresh as the skirts and bodices of the Pompadour. On the ceiling with niches, decorated in ‘rocailles’ and covered in mythological frescoes, the scenes and figures continue from the Faenza floor, with warm tones like those of a carpet: these are the pictorial allegories that narrate the labors and apotheosis of Hercules. From the ceiling, like a forest of stalactites, hang beautiful Murano chandeliers that, to the naked eye, erase all that is most beautiful I have ever encountered before this kind…”. — Louis Bertrand

The tour
The visit is personally curated by Princess Carine Vanni Mantegna. From the beautiful Baroque staircase, you access the entrance hall, which opens up to the spectacular “enfilade” of salons where you are dazzled by the opulence of the exquisite furnishings, the sophistication and originality of the decorations, as well as the furniture, tapestries, and the private collection of crystal and porcelain.