Palazzo Conte Federico is one of the oldest and most prestigious buildings in Palermo. Located between Piazza Conte Federico and Via dei Biscottari above the walls of the Punic city, it is within walking distance of the Royal Palace, the Palatine Chapel, and the Cathedral.
The oldest part of the palace is a 12th-century Arab-Norman tower.
Called “Scrigno Tower,” it was placed above the walls defending the city and was also its access with the Busuemi Gate that lapped one of the arms of the sea that then entered the city.
Today in the tower you can admire two beautiful windows: a Norman mullioned window and an Aragonese window where we find the authentic coats of arms of the City of Palermo, the Swabians and the Aragonese who ruled it.
From the inner courtyard, finely decorated in carved stone by the great Baroque architect Venanzio Marvuglia, and through the grand red marble staircase, one enters the main floor with its many halls reflecting the various eras through which the history of this palace has passed.
In the various halls, furnished with original furniture and paintings by distinguished artists of the time, one can admire painted wooden ceilings from the 17th century, 18th-century frescoes by Vito D’Anna and Gaspare Serenario, and various collections of weapons and antique ceramics.
The palace is still inhabited today by Count Alessandro Federico and his family which draws its origins from Federico d’Antiochia, one of the sons of the great Emperor Federico II.
