Real Albergo dei Poveri, Palermo

The Albergo dei Poveri in Sicily, originally known as Reale Albergo dei Poveri, has a rich history dating back to 1733 when it was established during the Austrian viceroyalty.

 Its primary objective was to provide shelter for the disabled, young vagabonds, and orphans. One of the key figures involved in its founding was Ferdinando Francesco Gravina, the Prince of Palagonia. Initially, the institution was situated in factories located outside Porta Termini, which later came to be known as Albergo vecchio.

The project gained renewed momentum during the reign of King Charles III of Bourbon, preceding the equally grand Real Albergo dei Poveri in Naples by a few years.

Architect Orazio Furetto was initially entrusted with the construction, but later architects Giuseppe Venanzio Marvuglia and Nicolò Puglia took charge until its completion. Construction began in 1746 under the supervision of Viceroy Bartolomeo Corsini. As the construction progressed, intriguing discoveries were made, including Phoenician and Carthaginian tombs. However, the project encountered delays, and the structure was only inaugurated on August 8, 1772, during the reign of Ferdinand III, despite remaining partially incomplete. One of the noteworthy features in the first courtyard is a rectangular church dedicated to Santa Maria della Purificazione, which was constructed between 1773 and 1779.

In 1898, the establishment underwent significant changes as it was exclusively designated for women, leading to its name being changed to Albergo delle Povere. Unfortunately, the building suffered severe damage during the bombings of World War II in 1943. However, following the war, the complex underwent restoration efforts.

Today, the Albergo dei Poveri is jointly owned by the Sicilian Regional Government and the Principe di Palagonia and Conte Ventimiglia Institute, which aims to make the monument more accessible to the public. The premises also serve as a venue for hosting temporary exhibitions and conferences. The building itself has a rectangular island-like structure, featuring two levels of rectangular windows with circular windows and small terraces on the upper level. The facade is adorned with intricately carved stone, and the entrance portal is crowned with a marble shield.

Within the atrium courtyard, there is a church connected to the outer wings of the building, secured by internal gates and grates. Protected entrances to different sections of the building can be found through grand staircases, adding to the architectural allure of the Albergo dei Poveri.

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Sicilarch/Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.it
 Sicilarch/Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.it
Sicilarch/Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.it
 Stendhal55/Wikimedia CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.it
Stendhal55/Wikimedia CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.it

Opening Hours

Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
09:30 - 18:30
Wednesday:
09:30 - 18:30
Thursday:
09:30 - 18:30
Friday:
09:30 - 18:30
Saturday:
09:30 - 18:30
Sunday:
09:30 - 18:30
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