ASMUNDO DI GISIRA
art market living boutique
CONCEPT
Staying at a Living Boutique is a sensory experience, an intimate encounter with silent stories that take shape amid the intertwining threads of memories suspended in time. An invisible thread guides the eye and the heart, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination.
Here, every detail seems to come alive, and what you see is not just art, but fragments of life that emerge like dreams asking to be heard.
MEETING ROOM
On the first floor of Palazzo Asmundo in Gisira is the building’s living room, characterized by the artistic dialogue established between the interior architectural details—which depict the myth of the origins of a landmark of the city (namely Villa Bellini)—and the magnificent Baroque beauty of the historic center.
“Catania in Palazzo Asmundo and Palazzo Asmundo in Catania” is the leitmotif of the living room, with its 4-meter-tall pink flamingo (by the renowned Sicilian artist Domenico Pellegrino) towering over the entrance, acting as Charon for the surprised visitor and upending all the ordinary dynamics of a typical hospitality establishment.
ROOF TOP
The spacious terrace overlooking Piazza Mazzini is characterized by lush vegetation that evokes the characteristic Sicilian landscapes—the very iconic scenes described by Verga, d’Annunzio, and Capuana, who transformed Sicily into a place that is both mythical and mystical.
Simply sitting among the prickly pears, jasmine, and orange trees—which exude the scent of orange blossoms on summer nights—is enough to be enveloped by a magical atmosphere capable of transporting visitors back in time. And it is precisely by settling into the magnificent beauty of the Piazza that the terrace pays tribute to it, allowing visitors to experience it with a physical distance that still lets them see its colors and savor its flavors.
RECEPTION
On the ground floor of Palazzo Asmundo is the reception area, which houses the “Antiche Mura” vintage boutique and a permanent exhibition showcasing the property’s collection of contemporary artworks, featuring pieces by artists who are making a strong impact on the European cultural scene.
From the moment guests arrive, the property’s expertise in patronage is evident in the careful restoration of the lobby, and this spirit is carried with virtuous vigor throughout all the other spaces, as if to invite guests to engage in cultural reflection—one that does not overlook, but rather celebrates art in all its forms, first and foremost the art of hospitality.
TERRAZZA ROOF - TOP BAR
It stands out as one of the most iconic panoramic terraces in Catania’s historic center. Entirely designed in the style of a Sicilian garden, it features antique amphorae and jars filled with Mediterranean and exotic plants. Lemon trees, prickly pears, palm trees, and agave plants add color to the open spaces, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and lively. This greenery frames the two types of views available: Mount Etna and a cityscape featuring the Cathedral and the southern horizon. Decorative architectural elements, lanterns, and comfortable seating recreate a dedicated lounge with an open-air view. These spaces also house our American Bar, ready to offer moments of relaxation and socializing thanks to the varied menu of signature drinks by Asmundo Di Gisira. Each drink captures the colors and flavors of the Sicilian region. Engaging all the senses allows us to tell the story of the region in a truly experiential way.
The Rooftop of Palazzo Asmundo di Gisira encapsulates the entire history of the city of Catania in its panoramic views, offering a visual and sensory experience unlike any other. It blends the lively atmosphere of the local markets with the spiritual sanctity of the domes that loom imposingly on the horizon, all dominated by the austere grandeur of the Cathedral’s dome.
The Rooftop, which also features spacious covered areas equipped with a professional kitchen, a breakfast/dinner room, as well as a lush rooftop garden and a comfortable solarium—almost bowing before the majesty of Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano—rises above the city’s noise, presenting itself as an oasis of relaxation and peace, of immeasurable beauty.
