Bits of history of the San Domenico Palace Hotel
A chest full of memories and indelible suggestions, to cherish forever
Built on the original structures of a former Dominican monastery of the 15th century, San Domenico Palace was transformed into a hotel in 1896 by the descendants of the founder of the monastery Damiano Rosso, a nobleman from Catania of the princely family Rosso di Altavilla, who donated it to the friars when he himself became a Dominican of the same monastery.
Since then the San Domenico Palace has become the most famous monastery – hotel in the world. It’s an enchanting atmosphere the one it’s possible to breath walking trough the large white corridors, where, for about half millennium, only soft steps and psalmodies of the friars were heard.
Monastic remains are religiously kept at the San Domenico to testify a past which makes such structure unique: the cloister, images of saints, the choir stall, the sacristy, the gorgeous garden, the rooms which used to be silent cells bind to seclusion. Everything recalls monastic life, a blatant contrast, and because of it even more fascinating, of a luxury hotel, guest among these ancient walls. A fascination which has attracted, since it was open, poets, writers, movie stars, royal families, heads of state who have filled with their dedications the ancient pages of the Golden Book, jealously guarded.
Today as at the beginning, the San Domenico Palace, respecting the old traditions of the house, welcomes its guests with devotion and passion, to make their staying an event really special. Absorbed in a magic atmosphere, having unforgettable days, enjoying tranquillity and far from common places.