The Palazzina Cinese, or Chinese Palace, is one of Palermo’s most unusual royal residences. Set within the Parco della Favorita at the foot of Monte Pellegrino, its pagoda-like roof, painted galleries and fanciful details make it a striking departure from the city’s grand Norman and Baroque palaces.
Architect Venanzio Marvuglia transformed an existing villa for King Ferdinand III of Sicily and Queen Maria Carolina around the turn of the 19th century, after the Bourbon court took refuge in Palermo. The palace reflects the European fashion for chinoiserie: an imaginative interpretation of Chinese design blended here with neoclassical and other decorative influences.
Inside, painted rooms and exotic motifs reveal the playful side of royal taste. Look out for the ingenious dining table designed to bring dishes up from the kitchens below. The palace also makes a rewarding stop on a trip through the Favorita, the former royal hunting grounds, or on the way to Mondello.
Check current opening hours and ticket arrangements before visiting, as the palace has experienced restoration closures. From central Palermo, a taxi or a bus towards the Favorita can get you close, but plan the final stretch in advance. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water; in summer, visit in the morning to avoid the worst heat.