Palazzo Previtera: A Living Museum on the Slopes of Mount Etna

Mon, 07/24/2023 - 12:40

Entrance at Palazzo Previtera / Photo: Riley Clements

Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.

Why we love it

Located in the center of a small Sicilian village on the Etna wine route, this family-run palazzo underwent a meticulous 10-year restoration process to emerge as a colorful hotel with a “living museum” concept. Under the care of the same family since the 17th century, the palazzo is now opening its doors to lucky guests.

What to expect

*Courtyard at Palazzo Previtera / Photo: Riley Clements*

Palazzo Previtera is part home, part hotel and part art gallery. Every last corner is lavished with family heirlooms, and each guest is given a tour of the palazzo’s common areas that can be as thorough as they wish. Despite the foot traffic, the sitting rooms can be lingered in, and feel more like family living areas than a hotel lobby. Outside, guests can wander through a garden built on lava rock and bursting with botanicals and a small vineyard.

Background

A decade-long restoration project was undertaken by the Puglisi family to preserve the legacy of the building and breathe new life into it with meticulous attention to historic details and an eye for modern art and interior design.

Location, location, location

Linguaglossa is a small village on the Etna wine route between Catania and Taormina. Wineries, beaches and adventures on the volcano are a short drive away, but the beauty of staying here is enjoying the small-town life.

Where you’ll sleep

*Room at Palazzo Previtera / Photo: Riley Clements*

There are four rooms inside the palazzo and two standalone cottages in the garden. I stayed in Alia, otherwise known as “the pink room.” Given the mix of family antiques, contemporary sensibility and Sicilian artwork, I found the decor to be darling and classy. The shower with Guatemalan green marble and a glass divider (and Ortigia products on the counter) completed this picture, but it was the view of the Linguaglossa bell tower that sealed the deal for me.

Dining and drinks

*Drink with a view at Palazzo Previtera / Photo: Riley Clements*

Breakfast is included and can be set up in your room, in the garden, or in one of the sitting rooms of the palazzo. I took mine in the music room, Italian-style with coffee and pastries, but also a few slices of avocado, prosciutto, yogurt and fresh fruit. Some guests choose to cook their own dinners in the shared kitchen, but you could also go out into town to the local restaurants like Trattoria Linguagrossa.

Service notes

The operation at Palazzo Previtera is small, but with so few rooms, the staff is very attentive and the family, who still reside in the private portion of the house, are friendly and welcoming.

You should know...

This boutique property is more than your average guest house, but don’t expect the standard hotel experience. It’s best suited for art lovers and those who want to savor each moment. Activities can be arranged if you’re interested in cooking classes, cycling or going up the mountain on an excursion to Etna.