Piazza Quattro Canti
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Pedro Pereira
Available for hire
"The Quattro Canti, also known by several other names including Piazza Villena, Ottagono del Sole (Octagon of the Sun), or Teatro del Sole (Theater of the Sun), is a landmark square in Palermo, Sicily. It's located at the intersection of two of the city's most important streets: Via Maqueda and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Here's what makes the Quattro Canti special:
The heart of the city: Standing at the crossroads of Palermo's historic center, the Quattro Canti acts as a symbolic center point. It marks the division between the city's four ancient quarters: Kalsa, Albergaria, Seralcadi, and Castellammare.
Architectural marvel: The Quattro Canti itself is a stunning octagonal structure with concave facades on each side. These facades are adorned with statues and sculptures, creating a visually captivating display.
Layered history: The different levels of the Quattro Canti reflect Palermo's rich history. On the ground floor, you'll find fountains representing the four seasons. The first floor features statues of the Spanish monarchs who ruled Sicily during the 16th and 17th centuries. Crowning the structure are statues of Palermo's four patron saints: Saint Christina, Saint Ninfa, Saint Olivia, and Saint Agatha.
A feast for the senses: Visiting the Quattro Canti allows you to experience Palermo's unique atmosphere. Take in the architectural details, admire the artwork, and soak in the vibrant energy of the surrounding streets.
Gateway to exploration: The Quattro Canti serves as a perfect starting point for exploring Palermo's historic center. From here, you can easily venture into the different quarters, each with its own distinct character and hidden gems."
Petra Hus
Available for hire
"Quattro Canti, officially Piazza Vigliena, is a Baroque square in Palermo, Sicily, considered the historic heart of the city. It marks the intersection of Via Maqueda and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, connecting the four ancient quarters: Kalsa (SE), Seralcadi (SW), Albergaria (NW), and Castellammare (NE).
The square, designed by Giulio Lasso and Mariano Smiriglio between 1608 and 1620, features an octagonal layout with four concave Baroque facades. Each facade has three statues: fountains on the lower levels representing the four seasons, Spanish rulers of Sicily on the third story, and the patron saints of Palermo—Christina, Ninfa, Olivia, and Agata—on the top. The fountains, completed in 1630 by Gregorio Tedeschi and Nunzio La Mattina, and the statues of the Spanish kings, sculpted by Carlo Aprile between 1661 and 1663, make Quattro Canti a notable example of early European urban planning."
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Teodora Cvetanoska
Available for hire
"Quattro Canti, also known as Piazza Vigliena, is located at the intersection of two main streets, Via Maqueda and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, it forms the heart of the city. Each corner of the square features a Baroque-style façade with fountains and statues. The facades represent the four seasons, the four Spanish kings of Sicily, and the four patron saints of Palermo’s four historic districts. The square is octagonal, with the facades creating a harmonious, symmetrical design that epitomizes Baroque urban planning. Quattro Canti is often called the “theater of the sun” because, at different times of the day, the sun illuminates each of the four corners."
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