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The Former Monastery of Santa Caterina

"I Segreti del Chiostro – Le Dimore" is located inside the ancient former Monastery of Santa Caterina, in a wing of the complex that was severely damaged by Bourbon bombings and subsequently rebuilt.

The property overlooks Via Vittorio Emanuele, the ancient Cassaro—one of Palermo's oldest urban arteries. This historic axis crosses the city from the sea to the Royal Palace, safeguarding centuries of history, cultures, and rulers.

Here, the historic center is not simply a place to visit, but a true open-air museum. Within a few steps, monumental squares, aristocratic palaces, Baroque churches, monasteries, historic markets, and the unique heritage of a Mediterranean capital coexist seamlessly.

Our Dimore (residences) were created to offer an immersive stay where hospitality blends with the memory of the location, following a vision of heritage hospitality deeply connected to the authentic identity of Palermo.

The property's central location allows guests to easily reach some of the city's most important landmarks on foot:

  • The Church and former Monastic Complex of Santa Caterina;
  • Piazza Pretoria and the Pretoria Fountain (also known as the Fountain of Shame);
  • The Church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (commonly known as "La Martorana");
  • The Cathedral of Palermo;
  • The Royal Palace (or Palace of the Normans);
  • The Palatine Chapel;
  • Teatro Massimo;
  • Teatro Politeama;
  • The historic open-air markets of Ballarò, Vucciria, and Il Capo;
  • The Botanical Garden;
  • The Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti.
View of the Quattro Canti baroque square in Palermo historic center

A Few Steps from the "Quattro Canti"

"I Segreti del Chiostro – Le Dimore" is located just a short walk from the Quattro Canti (Piazza Vigliena), a spectacularly choreographed Baroque square. Ancient sources refer to it as the Ottangolo (the Octagon) or the Teatro del Sole (Theater of the Sun), because throughout the day, at least one of its architectural facades is illuminated by sunlight. This iconic square has served as a backdrop for key scenes in the movie Palermo Shooting and a prominent Oracle Red Bull Racing campaign.

The Festino of Santa Rosalia traditional celebration at Quattro Canti Palermo

A Privileged View of the "Festino"

The five rooms on the first floor overlook Via Vittorio Emanuele, offering guests a "front-row seat" to the Festino di Santa Rosalia. Held every year between July 14th and 15th in honor of the city's patron saint, it is one of Palermo's most cherished and vibrant events. In recent years, the Festino of Santa Rosalia achieved top honors at the BEA Italia, winning the gold medal for Best Cultural Event.

Heritage Hospitality: Our Vision of Welcoming Guests

For us, hospitality means taking care of our guests with discretion and genuine attention. "I Segreti del Chiostro – Le Dimore" was born from the desire to offer spaces designed for rest, quiet, and well-being, while allowing guests to experience the timeless atmosphere of Palermo’s historic center—amidst stone alleys, unexpected silences, and buildings steeped in memory.

The quality of your sleep is an essential part of the experience. For this reason, we have chosen natural linens, lightweight duvets, and high-quality mattresses, prioritizing true comfort and a simple, natural sense of well-being.

Furthermore, we have embraced mindful and responsible choices toward the environment: reducing waste, paying close attention to materials, and ensuring a conscious use of resources. This is concrete sustainability, made of daily practices rather than grand declarations.

Our hospitality lives above all in quiet gestures and essential, almost invisible details. We truly believe that caring for a place also comes from the way we inhabit it.