We offer for sale in the municipality of Viagrande, in a strategic and residential area, the historic Villa Pitanza Manganelli Biscari. Dating back to the 18th century and renovated in the second half of the 19th century by the renowned architect Carlo Sada, famous for Catania's Teatro Massimo Bellini, this estate represents a unique property of extraordinary historical and cultural value. The property boasts a composite architectural style that beautifully blends Neoclassical motifs with Art Nouveau details. The interiors retain the classic layout of noble summer residences, offering spacious reception rooms with high ceilings and grand volumes, perfectly suited for an exclusive private estate, a high-end hospitality project, or a prestigious corporate headquarters.
The main manor building offers a total built area of 1,200 sqm, masterfully distributed over four levels. The architecture combines strict Neoclassical geometric lines with early Art Nouveau accents. The main access is via a monumental staircase leading to the upper floors, where a covered loggia, designed by Sada, serves as a visual bridge between the interior and the park. The interior layout follows the traditional floor plan of the Catania aristocracy's noble holiday estates, featuring a series of interconnected grand reception halls in an enfilade style, with high vaulted ceilings entirely adorned with frescoes and period stucco work. In addition to the noble halls, the main building includes a large dedicated auditorium used for conventions, concerts, and conferences, as well as professional kitchens fully equipped for large-scale catering services.
The complex also includes several secondary buildings and annexes, originally built as stables, warehouses, and servants' quarters, which have now been completely converted. These outbuildings, constructed in local stone and adjacent to the main villa, are ideal for use as independent guest houses, executive offices, or exhibition spaces. Furthermore, the villa houses a genuine private collection within its walls and immediate annexes. This historical core, linked to the figure of the 5th Prince of Biscari, Ignazio Paternò Castello, a celebrated archaeologist, includes precious, original archaeological artifacts from the Roman, Medieval, and Baroque eras scattered throughout the property, as well as a collection of Italian and local artwork kept inside the outbuildings, giving the property a strong cultural and museum-like vocation.
The estate is immersed in a historic park of approximately one hectare or 10,000 sqm. The grounds are structured across three large terraces that follow the hillside slope, each featuring a distinct landscape design. The first level is configured as an Italianate garden with symmetrical geometries and manicured hedges, while the second level is developed according to the principles of a French formal garden, characterized by more sinuous lines. The third level is created as a Romantic English garden, hosting exquisite architectural features such as the Galatea Fountain, historic pergolas, a Neoclassical marble altar, and the Prince's Temple. Finally, the main paths and avenues are entirely paved with traditional bichrome cobblestone made of black and white pebbles, and the property is equipped with a swimming pool perfectly integrated into the park's landscape.
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