The villa is part of the complex of Villa Paladino Solunto, a property of exceptional charm and prestige for the peculiarity of its site, by the unique characteristics in the area between Palermo and Cefalù, consisting of a main building and two secondary bodies,standing on a lush hill, emerging on the ridge of the wonderful promontory of Monte Catalfano with the Archeological park of Solunto, ending up at the sea with the Rock of the Ant and its natural marine archeological park, between Gulfs of Palermo and Termini, with a view of the sea, that embraces from Palermo to Cefalù until the high chain of Nebrodi and that over mountains reaches from Mount Pellegrino to the inner mountains of Sicily, with the hills, the rocky promontories and the green valleys of Bagheria, Santa Flavia and reaching eastwards the magnificent tops of Madonie (alt. m 2000).
The villa, planned by Armò, was erected in the beginning of the last century by Domenico Paladino, famous Florio's cousin and nephew of the builder of the Royal Hunting Palace of King Ferdinando IV Borbone at Ficuzza's wood (Palermo). It is the meeting's centre of the International Institute for Advanced Studies of Space Representation Sciences.
Villa offers romantic, regenerating and pleasant stay for weeks or weekends in a dreaming and welcoming atmosphere. The three bodies of Villa Paladino, smartly standing on the slope and the ancient marble fountain, which adorns the square, are immersed in a fantastic and amazing atmosphere, between the exuberance of nature, owner of the place, rich in different species of birds (among them the superb Peregrine Falcon, so loved by Frederick II of Swabia, which nests on the Soluntine rocks) and in countless species of plants,thanks to the extraordinarily welcoming climate (tamarisk, oleander, giant august Pomelia Strelizia, ivy, wisteria, Sicilian and azzorico jasmine, carob, olive tree, maritime pine, date palm, dwarf palm, mimosa, geranium, yucca, eater laurel, boxwood, pittosporum, dragon tree, aloe vera, cipressetto, pink grapefruit, etc.). All this, in a space between history and mith, that, embracing two bays and overlooking the green hills of Bagheria and Santa Flavia, with the famous eighteenth - century villas built by the best Sicilian nobility, and the fantastic Soluntine Basilica, leaves the visitor charmed at such a wealth of nature and culture.
The villa is adjacent to the Archaeological Park of Solunto and next to its Museum. Alongside is extending the Natural Reserve of Monte Catalfano and, near the coast, the underwater archaeological site of the Formica. 200 meters away you may visit the touristic village of Santa Flavia and the fishing villages of Porticello and S.Elia, where you can taste delicious Sicilian dishes.
Approximately 1 Km. after S.Elia, driving along the quite panoramic coastal road, that flows around the Natural Reserve of Monte Catalfano, you’ll get the seafaring village of Aspra and the promontory of Mongerbino with its breath-taking views on the Gulf of Palermo and Monte Pellegrino.
200 meters away, Santa Flavia’s Station allows you to take one of the trains going to Palermo or Cefalù. In 30 minutes, by car, you can easily reach Palermo and visit its precious monuments, its old town, the largest in Europe, where lie the spectacular markets, rich and fragrant, its museums and its major theaters. Don't forget to visit the well known beach resort of Mondello and the town of Monreale, with its Cathedral, the most beautiful and important in the world. At the same time you may easily get the famous medieval town of Cefalù, with its fantastic beach and the Arab-Norman Cathedral, or the enchanting Castle of Caccamo. Lastly, in a few minutes, you can visit the spectacular Madonie National Natural Park (mt.2000 level sea), the highest mountains in Sicily, after Etna, a paradise of rare plant and animal species protected.
