Palazzo Platamone

Just north of the Palazzo Biscari lies another noteworthy historic space, the Palazzo Platamone. When it was first built The Platamone palace was located between the Saraceno port and the Pontone port, the two most important landings of medieval Catania.

It belonged to the illustrious and wealthy Platamone family who distinguished themselves in the commercial field but also had important exponents who excelled in the political and ecclesiastical environment. Among them Battista Platamone, founder of the University of Catania, Viceroy of Sicily in 1436, and secretary of King Alfonso the Magnanimous.

After the terrible earthquake of 1693, the remains of the former Monastery of San Placido which had been gifted by the Platamone family to the Benedictines in the 15th century were integrated for the construction of the current Palazzo della Cultura.

After numerous renovations, the only late medieval evidence of the building is represented by the loggia, which seems almost set against the background of the courtyard of the Monastery.

The rows of arches that flank the rectangular plan seem to embrace the entire building. In the center, it is still possible to see the coat of arms of the Platamone family, a mountain with three shells on it and a lily on top. Today the Palace of Culture is used as a venue for important cultural events, exhibitions, and concerts.