Jun 17, 20212 min read

Hotel Algilà Restoration, Siracusa, Italy

Not just any hotel building.

The restoration of this magnificent main building at Hotel Algilà in Ortigia, Sicily was overseen by the architect Manuel Giliberti who retrieved all the original elements in stone, like arches and carved keystones. Where necessary they were completed with new parts made using the same techniques and materials used for millennia; those local lime-stones that had such an influence on the development of the baroque style in this area. Decorations based on old Sicilian designs then integrated what had been seriously damaged by time, like the wooden ceiling of the room that is now the restaurant, that reproduces the few original boards that survived. Sicily is a place where local craftsmen and artists continue to work in the traditions of past centuries.

Antique furniture and precious brightly-painted ceramics of old Sicilian design, textiles in warm colours and an obsessive care in hiding the signs of the modern technology that guarantees high quality comfort, produce a harmonious atmosphere that will play an important part in your Sicilian experience; the rest will be played by the Sicilians, with their great sense of hospitality, their culture, their natural courtesy and kindness - things that we hope you will experience yourself, and firstly in the people who run our hotel with great passion, dedication and sacrifice to bring you quality that matches the stunning building.

Hotel Algilà restoration undertaken by the architect Manuel Giliberti

Even more impressive is the newer part of the hotel which is also a 'living museum' too - The magnificent Palazzo Bongiovanni, opposite the main hotel building and reception, houses the restored portrait of Bishop Amorelli (1781-1840 Bishop of Syracuse).

"The portrait of Bishop Amorelli returns to its former glory"

"We are honoured" commented Dr. Giovanni Rimbotti partner of Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel - to have sponsored and returned the ancient splendour to this work and to some of the gallery's carriages.

In collaboration with the Director of the Regional Gallery Palazzo Bellomo, Giovanna Susan and the Superintendent Rosalba Panvini, an exhibition of this valuable painting was organised in the historic frame of the “Bongiovanni” palace, for the citizens of Syracuse.