Palazzo Faranda

The Palazzo d’Orléans in Palermo is a splendid 18th-century building that now serves as the seat of the president of the Region of Sicily. Originally built in 1775 by Prince Monroy, the estate was later expanded by the merchant Antonino Oliveri. It rose to fame when Louis Philippe d’Orléans, a member of the French royal family, settled here, married, and bought the building. The Orléans family kept the palace for generations before it was requisitioned by the Italian government in 1940 and finally acquired outright by the Region of Sicily in 1953. The main entrance is on Piazza Indipendenza, directly opposite the Norman part of the Palazzo dei Normanni. A particular highlight for visitors is the adjoining Parco d’Orléans, a sprawling garden that is open to the public. Here you'll find impressive ficus trees with hanging roots as well as exotic animals, which offer a peaceful contrast to the palace's historical significance.