Baarìa
“Baarìa” will literally make you fall in love
with its history, architecture, good food and nature.
Bagheria (Baarìa in Sicilian dialect) is a charming city located in the province of Palermo, Sicily, renowned for its rich history, strong connection with cinema and art, majestic architecture, and the beauty of its surrounding nature. This city also offers a delightful gastronomic journey for food lovers, making "Baarìa" a place that will make you fall in love with its history, architecture, good food, and nature.
The origins of Bagheria date back to the 3rd century BC, but the city reached its peak in the 18th century when noble families built their luxurious villas here for summer vacations. Among the most famous villas are Villa Palagonia, with its statues of deformed characters thus called the “Villa of Monsters,” and Villa Cattolica, home to the “Guttuso Museum” dedicated to the famous painter from Bagheria.
Bagheria was an important stop on the Grand Tour between the 18th and 19th centuries. Johann Wolfgang Goethe mentioned it in his famous "Journey to Sicily" during his visit on April 2, 1787, with Christoph Heinrich Kniep, specifically at Villa Palagonia.
The city has given birth to many illustrious figures of Italian culture and art, including Renato Guttuso and Nino Garajo, Ignazio Buttitta and Giacomo Giardina, Ferdinando Scianna and Giuseppe Tornatore, the latter used the city as a location for many of his works, including the Oscar-winning "Cinema Paradiso" and the eponymous “Baarìa.” The "city of villas" has also been the set for many other movies in the history of Italian and international cinema, such as Johnny Stecchino and The Godfather Part III.
The baroque architecture of the villas and historical buildings in Bagheria attracts visitors from all over the world, who admire the elaborate facades and well-kept gardens. But it's not only history and architecture that make Bagheria a special place: the city is surrounded by breathtaking nature, with mountains and the sea offering spectacular landscapes, such as Monte Catalfano Park, the Gardens of Villa San Cataldo, the Small Urban Park, the geological formations of the Arco Azzurro, and the beach of Aspra district.
For guests staying at La Dimora dei Paladini, some of the city's best restaurants are just few steps away. During your visit, don't miss the chance to taste local specialties such as "arancine," "cannoli," "sfincione bagherese," bread with panelle and crocchè", artisanal ice creams, and of course, wines.
Bagheria’s gastronomic scenenery is so rich and varied that it certainly deserves more than just a taste, and it’s no surprise that many visitors feel the desire to revisit their favorite restaurants.
To conclude, Bagheria is a city that offers a complete experience: history, culture, nature, and gastronomy combine to create an unforgettable place!
