“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.
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