“I felt a longing to see flowers and asked to be taken to Villa Tasca where the gardens, in the midst of orange groves, are full of admirable tropical plants“. These words are not from our summer travel journal but from Guy de Maupassant’s writings, “La Vie Errante” that tells of the author’s epic journeys through sunny climes. No doubt dumbstruck by the wild beauty of a garden that had once been in the formal French style and had become a poetic jungle, more like an oasis than Versailles. In Palermo, the French writer’s journey ended where ours is beginning. On the wide staircase of this residence with the looks of a grande dame. An 18th century aristocrat at first sight. A luxurious residence belonging to the illustrious winemaking dynasty Tasca d’Almerita – one of the most important in Italy – Villa Tasca is also one of the most fascinating and secret properties in the city. Crowned heads have flocked here as have famous composers, all looking for a retreat unlike any other. A privilege that Giuseppe Lanza Branciforte and his father, Lucio Mastrogiovanni Tasca now accord to fortunate travellers wishing to spend a night in one of the four suites which have been carefully preserved in their original condition. The owners know the entire history of their home. The way the women of the family used to pass it down from one generation to another, the majolica-tiled floors from the great Neapolitan master Attanasio, the manuscripts signed by the hand of Wagner… A treasure trove of stories and anecdotes that they can talk about for hours and which are the only interruption to the sounds of the migratory birds. A refined ambiance served by an imposing presence, Villa Tasca passes through time without being affected by it. Roaming through the sublime.
Villa Tasca : Viale Regione Siciliana, 399 – 90129 Palermo.
Giuseppe, could you introduce yourself, please?
I’m 54 years old, I’m married to Luisa and I have two children, Lucio and Martina. I have a degree in agronomics and I’m mad about food, music and sport. My father’s name is Lucio.
Could you describe a typical day at Villa Tasca?
I spend my time working and when I’ve got time I go paddle-boarding, if not, I can always find a bit of time to cook!
Where do you all like to get together in the villa?
I love cooking and so the kitchen is naturally the heart of the house for me. That’s where we like to spend the most time and where we enjoy good food and good wine.
How are you developing the other estates that you own in Sicily and on the island of Salina?
In our developments, our aim is to respect traditions and to include modern innovations. For us, it’s crucial to have a 360° vision in everything we undertake. That means not just with regard to nature but also in the creation of models that are socially eco-responsible and economically effective. To achieve this objective, we created SOS Tain.
For how long have you been welcoming paying guests to this fabulous place?
We open the ground floor and first floor of the villa, where we have four suites. We can host a total of eight people. We rent the villa by the week along with our major-domo and chef, and a guarantee of total privacy, even in the heart of Palermo.
Do you have any particularly strong memories of this place?
Yes, I’ve got a whole heap of memories of amazing parties and get-togethers with family and friends. But the best memories are of the times I’ve spent playing with my children in the gardens.
Is it true that the German composer Richard Wagner spent time here in the 19th century?
At the time, my family had a plan to create a garden that linked the visitor to music. That is, to create an experience, so that when people walk through the gardens, they feel the same sort of emotion that they would get from listening to a melody. It was probably that desire that drew Richard Wagner to the Villa Tasca.
Could you recommend a good restaurant in Palermo?
You can eat well everywhere in Sicily, but what I really like is going to the trattorias in the little seaside towns of Sferracavallo and Mondello. Just simple places, right next to the sea and really close to Palermo, where both the kitchen and front of house are managed by families. It feels just like being at home.
Photography: Constance Gennari -Text: Caroline Balvay – Translation: TextMaster @thesocialitefamily
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