Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, renowned author of The Leopard, spent his last years in Palazzo Lanza Tomasi, a splendid mid-18th century palace overlooking the sea from Palermo's old defensive walls.
Now, through Think Sicily, it is possible to enter this magnificent home to spend a day shopping, cooking and dining (or just a private visit and aperitif) with the current owner, the Duchess of Palma, Lampedusa's daughter-in-law.
Cookery class and dinner at the Palazzo
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This is no simple cookery lesson, but a full cultural and culinary experience!
Here's an idea of what you will do!
- a morning shopping trip to the Capo, the oldest and most "Arabic" of Palermo's food markets, and the best place to buy the ingredients for your cookery class later
- walk back to the sea-front Palazzo through Palermo's historic centre
- into the Leopard's kitchen - the true heart of the magnificent Palazzo Lanza Tomasi, where the hands-on cook-fest begins! The Duchess will explain and help you make some delicious Sicilian recipes, many of which have been handed down through generations of her family
- lunch, a delicious 4-course feast made by you(!), served in the elegant dining room
- after lunch, the Duchess will give you a guided tour of the lovingly restored Palazzo, which features much of Lampedusa's personal library, and the luxuriant, perfumed sea-view terrace.
Please contact us for prices
Aperitif and tour of the Palazzo
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Alternatively why not just take a private tour of Palazzo Lanza Tomasi with the Duchess and Duke. Once you've finished your fascinating visit, you can sit down and chat to your hosts over a refreshing aperitif on the fragrant, flower-strewn sea-view terrace.
Please contact us for prices
14th July - Santa Rosalia dinner
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14th July in Palermo is the Festino di Santa Rosalia, a celebration of the city's much loved and venerated patron saint, who is paraded through the old town centre from the Cathedral to the sea. As the procession finishes, the fireworks begin.
One of the best places to enjoy the special atmosphere of the Festino is Palazzo Lanza Tomasi, down on the sea-front in Palermo. Here, we can arrange a wonderful dinner and, via a secret passage through the old town's defensive walls, a privileged peek at Santa Rosalia as she arrives at her final destination.
You will also be in the best possible vantage point from which to admire the stunning firework display that rounds off the evening's events...
Please contact us for prices
Other guests may be present.
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