Bagheria

Among historic villas and 18th-century palaces

The town of Bagheria is not only a popular holiday destination, but also a place rich in lavish architecture. It is no coincidence that it was chosen as the set for many successful Italian films, including Baaria and Cinema Paradiso, directed by Giuseppe Tornatore.

Between the Gulf of Palermo and the Gulf of Termini Imerese, Bagheria is the birthplace of painter Renato Guttuso and houses a museum of modern art dedicated to him in the splendid Villa Cattolica.

The yellow tuff stone of the houses and the sandy beach coastline alternate with the rocky shoreline, featuring secluded coves and rocks of all sorts of shapes.

Then there are the magnificent villas, residences of the Palermo nobility between the 18th and 19th centuries. Among them is Villa Palagonia, nicknamed the Villa of Monsters because of the statues of animal-like creatures inside the residence and in the grounds. Be sure to visit Villa Valguarnera, an 18th-century complex with esoteric overtones, set in a beautiful garden.

Palazzo Butera, with its neoclassical forms, colonnaded portico and frescoes by Velasquez, also deserves a special mention.

Finally, to enjoy shopping or an aperitif, Corso Umberto I is the perfect place for a quiet stroll.