The most significant intervention was the staircase, which created a double-height space enhanced by a mural by Andrea Buglisi celebrating Palermo and its historic centre. On the first floor, used as a dining room and wine bar, the material palette was subtly changed, with strip parquet flooring chosen to complement the venue’s industrial-archaeology character. Over the years, the building has housed various businesses, most recently the historic religious art shop Pantaleone. A large semicircular counter on this floor serves as the bar, with two balconies offering enviable views over Piazza Pretoria and the Cassaro.

The space is distinguished by an unusual cast-iron colonnade, at least by Palermo standards, which has been highlighted as an iconic and recognisable feature. The ground floor houses a large sales counter, while the first floor has a wine bar and seating area. The sandstone block walls have been left exposed, as have the masonry reinforcements added over the years. We have allowed the history of this place, in the heart of the city, to remain visible without concealment or layers of alteration. The choice of materials reflects local tradition. The ground-floor space has a chequerboard floor of Billiemi and Carrara marble, while the staircase is clad in Sicilian red marble.

Credits

Client: Prezzemolo & Vitale SPA

Design and Artistic Direction Provenzano Architetti Associati

DL Eng. Gabriella Vaglica

Photo: Benedetto Tarantino

Construction company Medprom srl by @guglielmocorrenti

Woodwork Legno Arredo di Guarrera Sebastiano

Cuccì Wallpaper 

Lighting LiD - light up your world 

Glassworks Gaetano Alioto

Ironwork Giuseppe Manno

Windows and doors Fortezzza

Marmi Sofil di Gioacchino Lo Bianco 

Clima VRC Cold by Giuseppe Rubino

Forniture Ferrante in Cannino

Furniture Longho

Visual lettering and banners