Basile’s Neo-Arab-Norman Style

I’ve driven past this site on the Stràda Statàle between Palermo and Bagheria many times, and I’ve always been intrigued by its architectural details. Now, I finally know its story: Built in 1905, Stand Florio was constructed for the industrious Florio family as a daytime sea-side resort for their friends and associates–members of Palermo’s nouveau riche elite….