Bonocore Palace

Bonocore Palace sits on the north side of Piazza Pretoria, with balconies overlooking the monumental fountain and rooms featuring vaulted ceilings. The building spans three floors with a courtyard structure that reflects the typical layout of Palermo's noble residences from that era.

The building was constructed in the 16th century and changed hands multiple times, including ownership by the Di Carlo family, Senator Stefano Conte, and the Gastone family. These shifts reflect the political and social changes in Palermo during the early modern period.

The main floor contains seven rooms decorated with 18th-century frescoes showing cherubs, classical gods, landscapes, and seasonal scenes. These decorations reveal how wealthy families adorned their private spaces with mythological and narrative artwork.

The best time to visit is on weekends when the building opens to guests and you can explore the rooms without crowds. The location is in the old town center, making it easily accessible on foot, and the layout is relatively compact and straightforward to navigate.

A red marble staircase with bronze wolf heads connects the ground floor, once used as stables, to the ornate main level. This architectural transition clearly marks the distinction between the service and living areas of the residence.