Of all of Mondello's fabulous Liberty (art nouveau) buildings, none endear themselves as much as this turreted foreshore landmark. Built as a bathing establishment in 1913, its architect, Rudolf Stualker, had originally designed it for the Belgian city of Ostend. Despite its whimsical storybook appearance, the building was used as a headquarters by both the Italian Fascists and German troops in WWII, before being plucked by the Allied Forces. These days it enjoys a less tense existence hosting an elegant restaurant and piano bar, Ristorante alle Terrazze (www.alleterrazze.it).
Antico Stabilimento Balneare di Mondello
Mondello
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
8.53 MILES
Inspired by a vision of the Virgin and determined to outdo his grandfather Roger II, who was responsible for the cathedral in Cefalù and the Cappella…
6.5 MILES
Designed by Roger II in 1130, this extraordinary chapel is Palermo's top tourist attraction. Located on the middle level of Palazzo dei Normanni's three…
6.5 MILES
Home to Sicily's regional parliament, this venerable palace dates back to the 9th century. However, it owes its current look (and name) to a major Norman…
6.28 MILES
A feast of geometric patterns, ziggurat crenellations, maiolica cupolas and blind arches, Palermo's cathedral has suffered aesthetically from multiple…
Galleria Regionale della Sicilia
6.4 MILES
Housed in the stately 15th-century Palazzo Abatellis, this art museum – widely regarded as Palermo's best – showcases works by Sicilian artists dating…
Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
29.49 MILES
This coastal nature reserve is a hiker's paradise and a haven for wildlife, including the rare Bonelli’s eagle and 40 other bird species. Wild carob and…
Chiesa e Monastero di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria
6.33 MILES
Built as a hospice in the early 14th century and transformed into a Dominican convent the following century, this monastic complex wows with its…
5.92 MILES
Taking over 20 years to complete, Palermo's neoclassical opera house is the largest in Italy and the second-largest in Europe. The closing scene of The…
Nearby Mondello attractions
1. Palazzina Cinese & Parco della Favorita
2.48 MILES
Once a retreat for King Ferdinand IV and his wife Maria Carolina, this pagoda-inspired pavilion exemplifies the popularity of 'Oriental exotica' in 18th…
4.86 MILES
Elegant 18th-century Villa Zito houses a sharply curated collection of mainly Sicilian-themed art spanning the 17th to 20th centuries. You'll find a…
5.52 MILES
A showcase of Liberty architecture, set in a 9-hectare (22-acre) formal garden planted with rare and exotic species, this villa is most notable for its…
5.92 MILES
Taking over 20 years to complete, Palermo's neoclassical opera house is the largest in Italy and the second-largest in Europe. The closing scene of The…
5.93 MILES
One of Palermo's grandest aristocratic palaces is now an impressive, multi-faceted cultural centre. One-hour guided tours (email ahead for English…
6. Chiesa di San Giorgio dei Genovesi
5.94 MILES
Sporting an elegant Renaissance-style facade, this church was built between 1575 and 1591 to a design by Piedmontese architect Giorgio di Faccio. A simple…
7. Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonio Salinas
5.94 MILES
Situated in a Renaissance monastery, this splendid, wheelchair-accessible museum houses some of Sicily's most valuable Greek and Roman artefacts,…
5.98 MILES
This 17th-century chapel showcases the breathtaking stuccowork of Giacomo Serpotta, who famously introduced rococo to Sicilian churches. Note the…