Name: Quattro Canti
Address: Piazza Vigliena, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy
Rating: 4.6

Baroque, octagonal public plaza featuring 4 fountains topped by ornate statues in niches.

Valley of the Temples

Provided by Google

Tonnara di Scopello

Parco Piersanti Mattarella (Giardino Inglese)

Giardino Garibaldi

Parco Uditore

Quattro Canti is located at the exact center of Palermo, forming an octagon where the city's two main streets intersect.

Shape of the Piazza

Each of the four corners of Quattro Canti features a facade divided into four sections, representing the four seasons, the four Spanish kings of Sicily, and the four patronesses of Palermo.

Number of Sections

The official name of Quattro Canti is Piazza Vigliena, named after the Spanish viceroy who commissioned its construction.

Official Name

Quattro Canti is a prime example of Sicilian Baroque architecture, known for its elaborate ornamentation and theatrical design.

Architectural Style

The design of Quattro Canti was intended to create a theatrical effect, transforming the city center into a stage.

Theatrical Design

Construction of Quattro Canti began in the early 17th century (1608-1620) and marked a significant urban planning initiative in Palermo.

Construction Period

Quattro Canti

The Quattro Canti, also known as Piazza Vigliena, in Palermo, Sicily, represents a remarkable intersection of Baroque architecture and urban planning. Its octagonal design, a deliberate choice to align with the four ancient quarters of the city, showcases a unique symmetry. Each of the four facades mirrors the others, rising in a tiered fashion with fountains representing the four seasons, statues embodying the four Spanish kings of Sicily, and at the highest level, patron saints of each quarter. The deliberate placement of these elements reflects a complex interplay of power, religion, and civic identity. Interestingly, the Quattro Canti was conceived not just as a crossroads, but as a theatrical stage, a place where the city's narrative unfolded. The slight inward curve of each facade creates an illusion of greater depth and intimacy, drawing the viewer into the heart of Palermo's historical center. The choice of materials, primarily local limestone, contributes to the square's warm, sun-drenched appearance, further enhancing its visual appeal.

Introduction

The Quattro Canti, officially Piazza Vigliena, exemplifies Baroque architecture through its meticulously designed facades and urban planning. Conceived by Giulio Lasso and Mariano Smiriglio between 1608 and 1620 under Spanish Viceroys, the octagonal piazza showcases four concave Baroque facades, each a near mirror image of the others. These facades are structured into four tiers, each contributing to the square's elaborate Baroque character.

The street level features fountains dedicated to the four seasons, sculpted by Gregorio Tedeschi (Spring and Summer) and Nunzio La Mattina (Autumn and Winter), integrating natural allegories into the architectural design. Above the fountains, statues of Spanish rulers of Sicily occupy niches, their respective coats of arms displayed above, asserting power and heritage through sculptural representation. The uppermost tier features statues of Palermo's patron saints—Christina, Ninfa, Olivia, and Agata—crowning the structures and adding a layer of religious symbolism characteristic of Baroque art.

Carlo Aprile sculpted the Spanish kings between 1661 and 1663, further enriching the square's detailed ornamentation. The Quattro Canti's design, with its lavish decorations and symbolic statuary, embodies the Baroque aesthetic of drama and grandeur, marking it as an early example of town planning in Europe and a key representation of Baroque ideals in urban space.

Baroque Architecture

Quattro Canti, officially Piazza Vigliena, stands as a testament to Spanish influence in Palermo. Conceived under Spanish Viceroys between 1608 and 1620, the square's urban plan reflects an early example of European town planning under Spanish rule. The symmetrical, concave Baroque facades embody architectural styles embraced and reinterpreted during Spanish dominion.

Each facade features statues that directly acknowledge Spanish power. The third tier showcases Spanish rulers of Sicily, their coat of arms displayed above, visually asserting Spanish authority. This deliberate inclusion of Spanish monarchs within the square's design underscores the political landscape of the time and the importance of Spanish rule.

The very name "Via Maqueda," one of the main streets intersecting at Quattro Canti, is a clear indication of Spanish nomenclature woven into the city's fabric. The square serves as a focal point where Sicilian ideas meet Spanish influence, illustrating a complex relationship forged over four hundred years. The Sicilian Baroque style, prominently displayed in Quattro Canti, flourished as local architects interpreted architectural forms introduced during Spanish rule, creating a unique cross-cultural aesthetic. This architectural fusion exemplifies Sicily's ability to adapt and transform external influences into something distinctly its own.

Spanish Influence

Quattro Canti, officially Piazza Vigliena, features Baroque fountains integrated into its four concave facades. Constructed between 1608 and 1620, the fountains at the street level represent the four seasons, sculpted by Gregorio Tedeschi (Spring and Summer) and Nunzio La Mattina (Autumn and Winter), completed by 1630. These fountains form an integral part of the square's design, complementing the statues of Spanish rulers and patron saints on the upper levels.

Close to Quattro Canti is Piazza Pretoria, home to the Fontana Pretoria, also known as the "Fountain of Shame." Designed by Francesco Camilliani in 1554-55, it was originally intended for a Tuscan villa. The fountain's basin is adorned with approximately 50 statues of mythological figures, including monsters, harpies, sirens, and tritons. Its relocation to Palermo and the initial reactions to its nude figures contributed to its infamous nickname.

The Fontana Pretoria, with its intricate details, offers a contrasting example of High Renaissance fountain design in close proximity to the Baroque fountains of Quattro Canti. The juxtaposition of these fountains provides insight into the evolution of fountain design and public art in Palermo. The fountains at Quattro Canti and Fontana Pretoria remain significant landmarks, drawing photographers and visitors interested in their historical and artistic value.

Fountains of Palermo

At the Quattro Canti in Palermo, the uppermost tier of each Baroque facade features statues of the city's four female patron saints, pre-dating Saint Rosalia's rise to prominence. These figures—Christina, Ninfa, Olivia, and Agata—represent the four ancient quarters of Palermo, each watching over their respective district from their elevated perches. Their presence highlights the city's deep-rooted religious traditions and the historical significance of these saints before Rosalia became the primary protector of Palermo in the early 1600s, following the end of a plague.

The selection of these particular saints reflects the historical divisions and spiritual allegiances within Palermo's old town. Each saint was venerated in one of the four cantons, or quarters, that converge at the Quattro Canti, solidifying the square as not only a geographical center but also a symbolic representation of the city's collective faith. The statues serve as a constant reminder of the saints' protective roles and their enduring connection to the people of Palermo.

While Santa Rosalia eventually eclipsed these earlier patron saints in popularity, their inclusion in the Quattro Canti's design ensures their continued recognition. The square stands as a testament to Palermo's evolving religious landscape, capturing a moment in time when these four women held a central place in the city's spiritual life. The statues offer a glimpse into the past, inviting contemplation on the shifting dynamics of religious devotion and the enduring power of local traditions.

Patron Saints

Quattro Canti, officially Piazza Vigliena, marks the historical crossroads at the heart of Palermo's ancient quarters, where Via Maqueda intersects Corso Vittorio Emanuele, formerly the Cassaro. This intersection divides Palermo into its four original districts: Kalsa, Seralcadi, Albergaria, and Castellammare. Conceived by the Spanish Viceroys between 1608 and 1620, the octagonal piazza was designed by Giulio Lasso and Mariano Smiriglio as an urban planning innovation.

Each of the four corners presents a concave Baroque facade, adorned with a progression of statues. The lowest tier features fountains representing the four seasons, sculpted by Gregorio Tedeschi and Nunzio La Mattina. Above, statues of Spanish rulers of Sicily stand in niches, their coat of arms displayed above. The highest level showcases the four female patron saints of Palermo: Christina, Ninfa, Olivia, and Agata.

Historically, Quattro Canti served as a stage for public life, including, at times, public executions. Today, it stands as a pedestrian zone, allowing unencumbered exploration of its architectural details. While pollution has weathered the facades, the square remains a vibrant center, connecting Palermo's past and present. Its construction represented a bold statement of Spanish power and a strategic reorganization of Palermo, solidifying its role as a pivotal point in the city's narrative.

Quattro Canti

Did You Know?

Shape of the Piazza

Number of Sections

Official Name

Architectural Style

Highlights from Reviews

Location