52 Reasons to Love Sicily | #35. Amazing Architecture

What exactly is it? Built in 1905, Stand Florio was constructed for the industrious Florio family as a daytime seaside resort for their friends and associates – – members of Palermo’s nouveau riche elite. On its grounds they played soccer/football and water sports and socialized. The complex was designed by Palermo architect Ernesto Basile, who…

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….