Villa Zito

Villa Zito - Masterpieces of Sicilian art from the Baroque to the 20th Century

The history of Villa Zito is a fascinating journey through time that, although it links its name to the merchant Francesco Zito Scalici who purchased it in 1909, has its roots in the first half of the 18th century.
Founded by Gaspare Scicli and later passed to the Prince of Carini, the residence underwent a decisive turning point in 2005 with its acquisition by the Fondazione Sicilia, which oversaw a masterful restoration to transform it into a treasure chest of art.
This transformation leads us directly to the beating heart of the villa: its Art Gallery (Pinacoteca), which houses a treasure of over a thousand works.
This heritage stems from the enlightened vision of the Banco di Sicilia, which in the last century invested in acquiring masterpieces linked to the territory. This collection is now enriched by other collections and donations, with a core of extraordinary value dedicated to Baroque painting.
But this immense artistic heritage is not intended for passive viewing; instead, it becomes a living tool for Education, offering students a unique opportunity to stimulate curiosity and learn to observe art up close, in a direct encounter with the museum environment.
In addition to its cultural and educational vocation, the villa opens up to the professional world thanks to a modern Auditorium and an elegant Events Area, designed for companies wishing to combine work opportunities with the charm of a location of incomparable artistic value.
For those who wish to deepen their knowledge of the collections or take a tangible memory with them, the Bookshop offers a precious six-volume book series; a curious detail is that the books retain the old name "Fondazione Banco di Sicilia" as the project predates the foundation's name change in 2012.
Finally, the experience at Villa Zito is completed with a pleasant break at the Cafeteria, a place of great charm where guests can relax in the elegant indoor space, inspired by the Art Gallery, or enjoy the evocative outdoor atmosphere, amidst the well-kept greenery and a welcoming pergola.