The streets of Palermo flourish with monuments referencing to the conquerors who went by the city. But if you walk towards Mondello, after the city itinerary, don’t be shocked if you see something completely unexpected. After Villa Niscemi, the mayor’s residence, inside Parco della Favorita, you will find the Palazzina Cinese (“Chinese residence”). Yessir, even Chinese culture came to Palermo in 1799, but not for war reasons. In fact, Ferdinand IV of Bourbon commissioned its construction, to use it as his hunting hut. A beautiful pagoda-style rooftop, the woodworked balconies, and the scallops will project you beyond the Arab-Norman Palermo. A property of the City of Palermo, it hosts the Pitrè museum today. But don’t expect to find a rickshaw here... perhaps a Sicilian carriage!
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