Beneventano del Bosco Palace, Syracuse
Beneventano del Bosco Palace, a grand urban palace nestled in the heart of Syracuse's Ortigia island, stands as a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage. Located on the picturesque Piazza Duomo, just across from the modern city hall and at a diagonal from the historic Cathedral of Syracuse, this palace is a marvel of Sicilian Baroque design.
The history of this palace dates back to the Middle Ages when it was originally constructed for the Arezzo family. However, the devastating 1693 Sicily earthquake caused significant damage to the building. Subsequently, it came into the possession of Baron Guglielmo Beneventano, who embarked on an ambitious project to reconstruct and transform it into the splendid edifice we see today. The reconstruction work primarily took place between 1779 and 1788, and it was entrusted to the skilled architect Luciano Al矛.
The palace was reimagined around an enclosed courtyard, which is a hallmark of Sicilian Baroque architecture. As you step inside, you'll find yourself surrounded by a riot of architectural details that exemplify this style. The canted facades of the courtyard are adorned with pairs of columns, cherubic figures, and statues, creating a striking interplay of light and shadow.
The opulence doesn't stop at the exterior. Inside, you can find sculptures created by the talented Palermitano artist Lombardic Gregorio and frescoes painted by Ermenegido Martorana. Adding to the sense of luxury and extravagance, the palace is adorned with stunning crystal chandeliers that were imported from the renowned glassblowing island of Murano.
While the interior of Beneventano del Bosco Palace is not generally open to the public, it is possible to gain access with special permission from the owners. This hidden gem of Sicilian Baroque architecture is a testament to the city's rich history and the vision of those who sought to restore and enhance its grandeur.
The history of this palace dates back to the Middle Ages when it was originally constructed for the Arezzo family. However, the devastating 1693 Sicily earthquake caused significant damage to the building. Subsequently, it came into the possession of Baron Guglielmo Beneventano, who embarked on an ambitious project to reconstruct and transform it into the splendid edifice we see today. The reconstruction work primarily took place between 1779 and 1788, and it was entrusted to the skilled architect Luciano Al矛.
The palace was reimagined around an enclosed courtyard, which is a hallmark of Sicilian Baroque architecture. As you step inside, you'll find yourself surrounded by a riot of architectural details that exemplify this style. The canted facades of the courtyard are adorned with pairs of columns, cherubic figures, and statues, creating a striking interplay of light and shadow.
The opulence doesn't stop at the exterior. Inside, you can find sculptures created by the talented Palermitano artist Lombardic Gregorio and frescoes painted by Ermenegido Martorana. Adding to the sense of luxury and extravagance, the palace is adorned with stunning crystal chandeliers that were imported from the renowned glassblowing island of Murano.
While the interior of Beneventano del Bosco Palace is not generally open to the public, it is possible to gain access with special permission from the owners. This hidden gem of Sicilian Baroque architecture is a testament to the city's rich history and the vision of those who sought to restore and enhance its grandeur.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Syracuse. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Beneventano del Bosco Palace on Map
Sight Name: Beneventano del Bosco Palace
Sight Location: Syracuse, Italy (See walking tours in Syracuse)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Syracuse, Italy (See walking tours in Syracuse)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Syracuse, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Syracuse
Creating your own self-guided walk in Syracuse is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Syracuse Introduction Walking Tour
Syracuse, a city steeped in 2,700 years of Greek and Roman history, boasts a rich cultural heritage, remarkable amphitheaters, and iconic architecture. It was the birthplace of the renowned mathematician and engineer Archimedes and played a pivotal role as a Mediterranean powerhouse in ancient times.
Founded by Ancient Greek Corinthians and Teneans, the city-state formed influential alliances... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Founded by Ancient Greek Corinthians and Teneans, the city-state formed influential alliances... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Neapolis Archaeological Park Walk
For those keen on ancient history, Syracuse's main attraction lies within its Neapolis Archaeological Park. Spread across a vast area, this historical site contains a variety of fascinating landmarks, each with its own unique story.
Our first stop on this walk is the Augustan Arch (Arco Augusteo), the majestic archway built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Nearby, you'll find the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Our first stop on this walk is the Augustan Arch (Arco Augusteo), the majestic archway built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Nearby, you'll find the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles