Palazzo Gangi

In Palermo, it’s easy to pass by a grand palace without even realising it. Modest in appearance, with no flashy signs to draw the eye, Palazzo Gangi has earned a quiet reputation.

Built in the 17th century to house the noble Valguarnera family, and later the Princes of Gangi, this former aristocratic residence gained international fame as the setting for the iconic ballroom scene between Claudia Cardinale and Alain Delon in The Leopard, directed by Luchino Visconti in 1963. It might not look like it from the outside, but hidden behind its Sicilian Baroque façade are 8,000 square metres of rooms, each more lavish and rococo than the last.

Its current owners have been preserving and restoring the palace’s splendour over 20 years. Princess Carine Vanni Mantegna di Gangi regularly calls upon the finest Tuscan artisans to ensure that every corner of the residence regains its former glory. It’s a monumental task, requiring craftsmanship that is difficult to find or under threat of disappearing, such as the art of mecca gilding, a delicate silver-leaf gilding technique widely used in Sicily during the 18th century. Such an ambitious restoration comes at a cost. So far, the project has required around 4 million euros, with no tax relief or state support, and the challenge grows heavier each year. Even so, Palazzo Gangi continues to dazzle.

Praised by the director of the Department of Prints and Drawings at the Louvre Museum, it’s considered one of the most spectacular private residences in Europe. Visits are by group tour only, but it’s a journey into pure splendour for those lucky enough to step inside.