Villa Giulia

Overview

Villa Giulia is Palermo's first public park, established in 1778 and designed in a formal Italian style with geometric paths, fountains, and marble statues. Adjacent to the Botanical Garden, it serves as a calm green oasis in the southeastern quarter.

Highlights

• Sundial Fountain: A Pompeian-style dodecagonal sundial at the centre of the park.
• Marble Statues: 18th-century allegorical figures representing the seasons.
• Octagonal Pavilion: A bandstand used for occasional cultural events.

History

Named after Giulia Guevara, wife of the viceroy who commissioned it, the park was designed by Nicolò Palma in 1778 as one of the earliest public gardens in Europe.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Combine with the adjacent Orto Botanico for a half-day in the gardens.
• Tip 2: Free entry; open dawn to dusk.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.