The town of Bagheria, nestled between the Bay of Palermo and the Imerese Termini Bay, is a wonderful summer vacation destination: golden sandy beaches, clear waters, and, of course, the perfect temperature for sunbathing during the high season. Bagheria is the birthplace of the painter Renato Guttuso and houses a modern art museum in the magnificent Villa Cattolica. The rocky coastline, dotted with tranquil coves and cliffs of various shapes, attracts tourists.
And the beautiful villas of Palermo’s aristocracy from the 18th and 19th centuries invite you to explore. Among them is Villa Palagonia, nicknamed the Villa of the Monsters because of the animal statues inside and around it. Also visit Villa Valguarnera, an 18th-century complex with a charming garden. Palazzo Butera also invites you to explore its interior. Corso Umberto I is the perfect place for a quiet stroll, and if you’re looking for good clothes shops or delicious restaurants, you’ll find them in Bagheri.
Location
Bagheria is located in northwestern Sicily in the Palermo region of Italy.
Capo Zafferano
Fraction of Aspra
Aspra is a fishing village steeped in ancient fishing traditions and natural beauty. A large terrace overlooking the sea stretches for hundreds of meters, dominating the small houses of the locals on one side and the winding strip of beach where fishermen moor their small, colorful boats, the “lancitedde.” In Aspra, a visit to the Anchovy Museum is a must, offering a glimpse into Sicilian maritime culture.
Villa Palagonia
The Baroque Villa Palagonia (Villa of the Monsters) was built in 1715 and is a masterpiece of architectural elegance and creativity. The nickname “Villa of the Monsters” comes from the stone statues of fantastic animals, grotesque figures, ladies, and knights placed on the exterior walls.
A long driveway planted with plants and flowers, with the so-called Arch of the Eternal Father at its center, leads to the entrance to the villa, which features a double staircase. The villa consists of two square wings connected by a central, curved building. On the first floor, an oval vestibule leads to a richly frescoed ballroom with a mirrored ceiling and a chapel. On the opposite side are the billiards room and private apartments. Villa Palagonia is open daily from November 1st to March 30th. Reservations are required on weekends and public holidays.
Villa Cattolica (Museu Rinatu Guttusu) – Catholic Villa ( Guttuso Museum )
The Renato Guttuso Museum is located in the Villa Cattolica, located on the outskirts of Bagheria. The building houses many of Guttuso’s works, as well as those of other prominent artists. Renato Guttuso belonged to the artistic movements of Expressionism and Social Realism. Many of his works depicted the daily lives of Sicilian peasants. Among the social themes explored in his work were the brutal realities of the massacres during World War II. Guttuso was one of Sicily’s greatest artists of the 20th century.
Palazzo Butera /Villa Butera
Villa San Cataldu
Villa Sant’Isidoro De Cordova
Museum of Anchovy and Maritime Arts
