Palazzo Ajutamicristo

The story

Palazzo Ajutamicristo was built at the end of the 15th century for Guglielmo Ajutamicristo, a wealthy merchant of Pisan origin, to designs by Matteo Carnilivari, the architect of Sicilian Catalan Gothic.

The palace is known for its hospitality: Charles V stayed here in 1535 on his way back from Tunis, and later other sovereigns and viceroys lodged here when visiting the city.

In the 19th century it passed to the Moncada family; today part of it holds offices and part can be visited.

Why it is worth it

From via Garibaldi you see only a doorway. Then you step into the courtyard and find a two-tier arched loggia that is one of the finest pieces of 15th-century Palermo, the stone pale and the coats of arms still in place. It is a lived-in palace, not a museum: the discovery is part of it.