Regulations and Protection
Regulations and Protection of Villa Spina
Villa Spina is subject to a ministerial decree (D.A. n.1209) issued on May 20, 1986, which declares it to be of particularly important historical, artistic, and architectural interest pursuant to the law of June 1, 1939 n. 1089. This provision remains effective for all legal purposes, pursuant to article 128 of the Code of Cultural Heritage and Landscape (Legislative Decree n. 42/2004). Any intervention on the property requires approval from the Superintendency for Cultural and Environmental Heritage of the Sicily Region.
For example, in 2023, the Superintendency authorized a project for the use of the historic garden and water tower chimney of Villa Spina, presented by co-owner Maria Luisa Palminteri. The project included various works, including the installation of a prefabricated greenhouse, restroom facilities, a pergola for shading and supporting solar panels, a warehouse for storing agricultural tools, enclosures for domestic animals, and a small vineyard. The project also included the enhancement of existing citrus groves with an irrigation system and the creation of a new entrance to the area.
The Superintendency granted authorization with specific conditions aimed at protecting the historical and archaeological value of the site. Among these, compensation for the removal of tree species with the planting of new specimens, positioning of the pergola so as not to compromise the view of the existing bocce court, and the choice of materials and colors for the gate and photovoltaic panels in harmony with the historical context.
The Superintendency also requested to be notified with adequate advance notice of the start of work to conduct any archaeological inspections and monitor the execution of the works in compliance with the granted authorization.
Documents
Enhancement Projects of Villa Spina
Villa Spina, a 17th-century architectural heritage located in Palermo, has been the subject of various enhancement projects in recent years.
Recent Interventions:
- Historic Garden Use: A project approved by the Superintendency of Cultural Heritage of Palermo in 2023 provides for the enhancement of Villa Spina’s historic garden.
- The project includes the installation of a prefabricated greenhouse, restroom facilities, a pergola with solar panels, a warehouse for agricultural tools, enclosures for domestic animals, and a small vineyard.
- The existing citrus groves will also be enhanced with a new irrigation system.
- The creation of a new entrance, planting of climbing plants, and construction of stabilized earth pathways are planned.
- The project aims to improve the visitor experience and promote historical and botanical knowledge of the villa.
- Fresco Restoration: A team of restorers, led by Franco Fazzio, conducted careful restoration work on the frescoes of Villa Spina’s piano nobile.
- Through the use of a saline solution, a fresco of a decorative vase and additional decorations hidden under a drop ceiling were brought to light.
Past Initiatives:
- Theatrical Performance “Rooms”: In 2014, Valerio Strati’s theater company staged the performance “Rooms” in the halls of Villa Spina.
- The work, focused on the theme of intimacy, utilized the villa’s spaces to create an engaging experience for the audience.
Future Proposals:
- Social Gardens and Educational Activities: The Palminteri family has proposed opening Villa Spina’s park to the public for the creation of social gardens, dog training, an educational garden, and an educational farm for Palermo schools.
Importance of Restoration:
- Heritage Conservation: Villa Spina’s enhancement projects are fundamental for preserving an important example of Sicilian historical architecture and its rich artistic and botanical heritage.
- Cultural Promotion: Opening Villa Spina to the public through cultural events and educational activities contributes to spreading knowledge of its historical value and making it a reference point for the local community.
It is important to note that information regarding future projects is drawn from a single source and may not be current.
