Royal Palace of Ficuzza, Neoclassical hunting palace in Corleone, Italy
The Royal Palace of Ficuzza is a neoclassical hunting lodge built across three floors with a rectangular facade decorated by sculptures of Pan, Diana, and the Bourbon coat of arms. Inside, rooms include royal chambers, reception halls, a private chapel, and cellars that retain their original architectural details.
King Ferdinand III of Sicily commissioned this hunting lodge in 1799 and lived there continuously from 1810 to 1812 while seeking refuge from unrest in Naples. The building was later transferred to forest management authorities under changed political circumstances.
The palace now hosts a multimedia museum focused on the surrounding forest, where visitors learn about local wildlife and plant life through interactive exhibits. These displays help you understand how hunting traditions shaped the relationship between the royal court and the land around Corleone.
Guided tours are available to explore the palace rooms and learn about its history and current use as a museum. The location is accessible by car, and plan to spend several hours here if you want to see the exhibits and walk through all the chambers.
German troops during World War II destroyed much of the palace's original furniture and decorations. What you see today reflects those wartime losses, offering a stark reminder of how conflict affected even royal residences in Sicily.
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