Palazzo Tezzano, Historic palace in Piazza Stesicoro, Catania, Italy
Palazzo Tezzano is a three-story palace in Piazza Stesicoro featuring white stone windows that stand out against dark volcanic basalt, along with an ornate entrance portal decorated with frames and curving details. The building shows a striking contrast between light and dark materials throughout its design.
Count Niccolò Tezzano commissioned the building in 1709, and architect Alonzo di Benedetto redesigned it as a hospital between 1720 and 1727. This marked the start of several different uses the palace would serve over the following centuries.
Inside the palace is the Archivio Ceramografico, a collection holding thousands of reproduction cards of ancient Greek vases from museums across Europe. Visitors can see how the university preserves knowledge of these classical artworks for study and research.
The palace sits in central Catania on Piazza Stesicoro, surrounded by cafes and shops that make it easy to reach while exploring the historic district. You can find it as you walk through the area's main squares and streets.
The building survived the World War II bombings that damaged other areas of the city, preserving its structure through the conflict. This resilience makes it a notable survivor of the turbulent times that reshaped Catania.
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