VILLA VALGUARNERA
For Baroque sumptuousness it’s hard to surpass the 18th century Villa Valguarnera in Bagheria, a seaside town 13 miles from Palermo. Over the centuries the enormous villa has hosted a who’s who of prominent personalities, such as the writer Stendhal, General George Patton and filmmaker Luchino Visconti—and in more recent times, fashion and entertainment luminaries like Dolce & Gabbana, who shot a perfume commercial here with Sophia Loren.
Today the villa is owned by Princess Vittoria Alliata di Villafranca, a noted Middle East expert and author whose family holds 54 honorific titles. The villa’s glorious piano nobile, which can be rented on a weekly basis, includes a ballroom, frescoed reception rooms and three bedrooms. Many rooms offer dramatic views of the sea and 52-acre garden.
Starting rate: Approximately $14,100 per week
Contact: [email protected], villavalguarnera.com
