If there is a spot that represents Italy in its most authentic essence, perhaps Palermo would be the chosen city. That's why we weren't too surprised when we found out that Dua Lipa wanted to continue celebrating her marriage in this place after getting married in London. Well, not there specifically, but Bagheria, a coastal city that houses the Villa Valguarnera, which would be the place of the long-awaited celebration. Everything seems like something excised from one of those Italian films that leaves you spellbound by the beauty of the landscape, a sublime architecture steeped in history. It will of course be a private event, but we eagerly await photos with every detail, and we have no doubt that this destination will gain a lot of prominence after the artist's passage.
Villa Valguarnera
Villa Valguarnera: a mansion by the sea and the place to be of wedding ceremonies
This wonderful destination dates back to the 18th century and belongs to Princess Vittoria Alliata, writer and translator, especially known for being the first Italian translator of 'The Lord of the Rings' by JRR Tolkien. Since the late 1980s, he has been dedicated to the conservation of the family heritage villa. In fact, it was his ancestor, Prince Francesco Bonanno, who commissioned its construction in 1736.
Villa Valguarnera
In addition to being a magical place, chosen with great taste and care, it is especially known because it was here where the film 'The Leopard' was filmed in 1963. With Alain Delon and Claudia Cardinale. We completely understand the singer's desire to get married in this mansion, of course!
What to see in Bagheria beyond the famous village
The architecture of this city is its strong point and it has a vibrant blue sea competing with it, but the monuments it houses leave you speechless. In fact, it has served as the setting for great works of cinema art such as 'Baaria' and 'Cinema Paradiso', both directed by Giuseppe Tornatore.
The Catholic Villa
If you are going to visit this place, the villas are a must. The Villa Cattolica houses a modern art museum dedicated to Renato Guttuso, although there are also others belonging to the nobility of Palermo such as the Villa of Monsters, a name it receives due to animal statues that stand out both on the façade and inside the mansion. You can also go to the Butera Palace, especially famous for the interior frescoes made by Velázquez.
Best places to eat in Bagheria
There is a requirement in Italian coastal cities and towns and that is to eat a good plate of pasta mare fruit. Here the tradition of Sicilian cuisine is mixed with the best products that come from the city ports and give rise to this delicacy. If you go to Bagheria, Trattoria Castronovo is a must to taste this dish.
Trattoria Castronovo
Of course, if you are looking for a place specialized in pizza, there is nothing better than Binario 450, with traditional recipes and the most surprising contemporary combinations to enjoy the best flavor of southern Italy. The icing on the cake to improve, if possible, your experience during a vacation.
