Acireale, inside Palazzo Fiorini: the building that still recalls the whims of the "picciriddi"

I am the Palazzo Martino Fiorini and I am located in Acireale. I was born at the end of the 19th century by the will of knight Martino Fiorini, whose name I proudly bear. In my rooms, I still preserve the portraits of the ancestors of the Fiorini family, of Tuscan origins, who lived in the 18th century before I was born.

I am told that I am majestic, a bit austere, but elegant and refined, rich inside with splendid decorations related to the art of master Alfonso Orabona, inspired by Pompeian style and combined with a sparkling ornamental fantasy in Art Nouveau style. Nature is the protagonist and enters with its exuberance of lights and colors, forcing my guests to always look up and receive the exciting impression of an eternal spring.

In my long life, how many memories! From the farmers with baskets full of fruit, lined up to receive the pay from “don Martino”, the great master of the Fiorini house, seated behind the desk, to the servants made up of maids, cooks, tutors, and nurses who lovingly took care of the household: I still hear today their sounds, voices, the ancient Sicilian nursery rhymes, and the murmurs that animated the passing of the days.

How can I forget the nobility, the generosity of knight Martino, the delicacy of his wife Francesca, the shouts, the laughter, the whims of the “picciriddi”, their seven children, or the smiles of the guests, relatives, and friends, welcomed in the warm fragrance of the dining room or in the elegant party halls with music, singing, and dancing! And what about the gentlemen engaged in social activities or moments of leisure with preparations for hunting, boat trips, country walks? I am always excited to remember the slow passage of time and events and I try to convey this feeling through photos, furnishings, trinkets, various porcelains,

as well as the curtains, the laces and the embroideries (the result of a reserved, meticulous, and chatty feminine labor) that embellish my rooms. Today, I am proud to be in the hands of the heirs who preserve with passion and dedication the treasures of this ancient family that bring to life, through a dive into the past, the echo of a world that has now faded for all those who have the pleasure of savoring its charm and beauty.

High School “Archimede”
Acireale