The Four Corners (Quattro Canti) are the symbolic centre of Palermo, where via Maqueda and Corso Vittorio Emanuele intersect under the eyes of Spanish Kings and patron saints. Palazzo Costantino Di Napoli rises there with its 8,700 sq.m of stuccoes, frescoes, stairways and 18th-century rooms.
It features a large courtyard with a red marble portico and a double flight of stairs that leads to the main floor. Palazzo Costantino Di Napoli was acquired in 2000 by Roberto Bilotti, entrepreneur and patron. The original aim was to turn it into a luxury hotel but the group’s crisis and delays in obtaining the authorizations made the plan fail. Meanwhile, the 2002 had damaged the Palace, which was also looted. From the 50’s, Palazzo Costantino was also stripped of its furnishings, doors, floors and windows. Roberto Bilotti’s dream is to turn it into a city museum. Under certain aspects, it already is: its vaults showcase the complete works of Palermo’s artists of the 18th century and it’s also the expression of the Spanish period. But Bilotti’s investments in Palermo don’t stop here, trying to back to life many other forgotten Palaces. His activities should make us reflect on the meaning of philanthropy and social enterprises cause he activated cultural processes, supports museums and young artists.
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