Villa Cerami

Villa Cerami was the residence of the family Rosso of Cerami. Built a few years after the earthquake that hit the city in 1693, the villa was bought by Domenico Rosso, Prince of Cerami III, in the first half of the eighteenth century.

According to historians, the princes Cerami made sevral changes and improvements to the villa. It is unknown whether the villa had just a central part then widened by the noble family, or if the princes bought a “big house”. During their residency, family Cerami embellished the villa with Baroque decorations and precious furniture. In 1881 the villa also had special guests, King Umberto and Queen Margherita, in honor of whom was held an elegant dinner with dancing.

With the partial destination of the residence to a branch of Istituto Magistrale “G. Turrisi Colonna “, and, then, with the loss of some artwork, the twentieth century was a period of decline for Villa Cerami. But thanks to its acquisition in 1957 by the University of Catania, the villa returned to its former glory. The colors of the frescoes were revived and lounges, as well as carpets, mirrors, sofas and tables restored.

The entrance portal of Villa Cerami, home to the Law University, leads to a large courtyard and a monumental staircase. The courtyard, which has become a meeting and study place of young students, is enriched by a bronze fountain built by Emilio Greco, depicting the Great Bather (la Grande Bagnante).