Villa Cerami, 18th century villa in Catania, Italy
Villa Cerami is an 18th century palace in Catania featuring a monumental staircase, a bronze fountain in its courtyard, and an ornate Baroque entrance portal with stone decorations. The building combines classical architectural elements with a carefully designed facade.
After the 1693 earthquake, architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini rebuilt the structure around 1724 for Domenico Rosso, the third Prince of Cerami. This reconstruction was part of the broader urban renewal that shaped Catania.
The entrance displays the coat of arms of the Rosso di Cerami family, while the courtyard holds the bronze sculpture Grande Bagnante by Emilio Greco. These works connect the family's former status with modern artistic vision.
The building now houses the Law Faculty of the University of Catania with offices, classrooms, and a specialized library. Visitors should be aware that it remains an active university campus.
The property stands at the northern end of Via Crociferi, built upon ruins of the Roman amphitheater visible in nearby Piazza Stesicoro. This connection to ancient history makes the site where different historical layers of the city converge.
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