The iconic Villa Tasca in Palermo, Sicily, got a shot of adrenaline when the blockbuster series White Lotus featured it in Season Two. The connection to a popular series adds a modern twist to the villa’s rich history, making it a must-visit for pop culture enthusiasts. Owner Giuseppe Tasca even got a small acting role in the series, but it didn’t faze him; when he was a child, he gave his bedroom to Sophia Loren while she filmed Il Viaggio.
Count Giuseppe Tasca d’Almerita and his wife, Countess Luisa, inherited the family’s crown jewel in 2019 and now share its beauty by offering it again for film productions, fashion shows, and other events. Recently, Nina Ricci’s Creative Director wed there amid long candlelit tables and glamour galore. The villa’s ornately frescoed walls and ceilings were the perfect backdrop, along with art and antiques harkening back centuries, majolica tile floors, and Murano chandeliers hanging from the ceilings.
One cannot help but be captivated by Villa Tasca, the exclusive residence of the noble Tasca d’Almerita winemaking family for over 500 years. The grand iron gates, the long, palm tree-lined driveway, and the vibrant bougainvillea framing the entrance all contribute to the grandeur, making every visitor feel like a privileged guest.
Over the centuries, the Palermo estate has been a haven where royalty, artists, and intellectuals sought inspiration and respite. The villa’s opulent interiors have welcomed luminaries such as German opera composer Robert Wagner, Italian violinist Niccolò Paganini, and Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, each leaving their mark on its storied halls. Wagner, for instance, stayed on the property in 1927 while he was writing the third act of Parsifal, and 60 years later, at 85, he composed “Villa Tasca” based on his visit.
The nature surrounding the home adds to the magical ambiance. Paths meander through the gardens, revealing rare botanical treasures. A small temple, a giant magnolia tree, a marble half-altar, and a swan lake, complete with swans, give an ethereal sensation. The swan lake once had a small boat that guests could row to a center island, and it will soon make its return.
A meticulously restored vintage greenhouse is a rare glimpse at another era and symbolizes the Tasca garden’s allure. Exotic plants, flowers, and trees preserve the grounds’ botanical diversity and horticultural heritage. At the heart of the gardens, a sparkling pool surrounded by lush greenery (shown in White Lotus) invites guests to relax in tranquil surroundings, fostering a sense of calm.
Recognizing the estate’s role in Palermo’s cultural landscape, Giuseppe and Luisa made a significant decision while rebirthing the iconic edifice. The couple decided they should open the massive estate’s gates to the city, transforming a substantial portion of the property into a sprawling public park. This public park is not merely a gesture of hospitality but a visionary approach to urban sustainability and biodiversity. Residents and visitors alike now enjoy the villa’s gardens, and the park has become a hub for cultural events, blending history with contemporary art and music and enriching the city’s cultural tapestry.
The park is undergoing renovations and improvements, including the construction of the world’s first and only edible labyrinth; it will host a vast collection of plants linked to food history, with particular attention to ancient native Sicilian varieties. The flowerbeds form the words “SAVE DIVERSITY.” It was conceived by Luisa and designed by landscape architect Patrizia Pozzi in collaboration with Stefano Dentice. For the Tascas, diversity signifies biodiversity and inclusion, as illustrated by opening their private, aristocratic property to the public.
“No one in my family supported it,” the Count explained, speaking of opening the six-hectare Villa Tasca Park, “Not one person. But we believed in the vision, and we went ahead. Today, we have 10,000 members.”
He’s speaking of the members of Villa Tasca Park, where, for the nominal fee of 15 Euro per year, aristocrats and non-aristocrats alike can enter the green nature park. A nature park is a rarity in Palermo, and on any given day, hundreds to thousands spend the day lounging on park chaises, playing games, and enjoying “baby dance,” as Luisa called the hour of kid-friendly music for the children each day. Kiosks of pizza, cold cuts, wine, and all the usual Italian fare are available for sale. It is the accomplishment the couple is the most proud of.
“Why should we be the only ones enjoying this green space? We want everyone to have the chance. We have this beautiful thing [Villa Tasca], and we’ve opened it to the world in a way, and now we have opened the park to a whole new group of people,” said Giuseppe.
The property sleeps eight in four luxurious suites: Maiolica, Contessa, Green, and Pink. Each suite is a lavish retreat, featuring a generous marble ensuite bath, a spacious drawing room, and unique decor that reflects the villa’s rich history and cultural significance. And for $5,000 a night, you can rent the entire noble villa, swans and all, for yourself. Contact info@villatasca.com.
Photo credit: Layne Randolph, unless otherwise noted.