A Palermo, in the district of Ballarò, between the streets of the Albergheria, each house speaks of the deep bond between Sicily and the Arab world. And among those alleys, those atmospheres, those houses, there is a seventeenth-century building that hides something extraordinary but at the same time full of mystery. It is the Chamber of Wonders, or blue room, located in via Porta di Castro 239. A place discovered by chance of which we will tell you the story.
The Chamber of Wonders
Extraordinary colors, written in Arabic, atmospheres that are so reminiscent of the East. These are the elements of what is called the "Chamber of Wonders". The discovery of him happened by chance. In 2003 some renovations were made inside a room of the building. And by chance there came out calligraphic inscriptions in gold and silver on a blue background. Inscriptions most likely in Arabic. The doors were also painted blue. More accurate analysis and with more sophisticated instruments allowed us to understand that the decorations probably dated back to the second half of the nineteenth century.
The curiosity that this room caused among scholars of the Arab world, lovers of the sector, was inevitable. At first it was assumed that it could be a mosque. Then, on the other hand, the idea that it was an ancient "Turkish" decorated room seemed more accredited. like that of King Ferdinand of Bourbon which is located in the splendid Chinese building always in Palermo. Typical custom, therefore, of the time. Among the various art scholars, Vittorio Sgarbi was also interested in this room: according to his hypothesis it was probably a place of meditation, due to the constant repetition of the inscriptions on the walls. Hypothesis later confirmed by other scholars.
The inscriptions
Despite the particularity of this place, therefore, it seems that the inscriptions were not made by an Arab scholar, but by a local craftsman. Many writings. Among these is one of the Prophet Mohammed “Praise God, nothing is like him”. And other religious inscriptions. In the past, the owner of this building was Stefano Sammartino, Duke of Montalbo, finance minister and chief of the Bourbon police. So many numbers that return, from five to seven, reasons that would recall the Islamic occult world. Therefore the hypotheses about its origin are many: prayer room, given its orientation towards Mecca. Or “Turkish room” like the fashion of the time. Finally, the most accredited hypothesis is that of some scholars of the University of Bonn: a room used for esoteric or Masonic rites.
It remains a mystery, however fascinating and that attracts many curious visitors every year. In the past, visits at night have also been promoted, to admire all its splendor. This place, which can be visited by appointment, by writing to the Facebook page created, therefore remains full of charm. Melodies have been made out of it, through the inscriptions that would refer to musical notes, a poem by Ezio Bosso, books and documentaries.
The images are taken from the Facebook page "The Chamber of Wonders"
