The spring edition of The routes of treasures 2022 will be dedicated to Genius of Palermo, ancient protector of the city, even before the beloved Santa rosalia. It is a deity probably of pre-Roman origin, personification of the city (his name is in fact “Palermo”). This edition, entitled "The Genius of Palermo - Three weekends to discover the city”, Is the first ever with a specific theme and will be held from the 21 May to the 5 June. The project, carried out in collaboration with the University of Palermo, had the Sicilian designer as testimonial Stephen Sweet. Also for the occasion it will be possible to visit Isnello Palace, currently closed to the public. Inside the ballroom there is the precious fresco by the famous Rococo painter from Palermo, Vito D'Anna, depicting an allegory by the Genius of Palermo.

Genius of Palermo by Vito D'Anna - The streets of treasures 2022
Photo: © Fabrice de Nola - Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The Genius is a deity depicted as a bearded man and with a crown on the head which feeds to the chest a serpente (symbol of renewal). Other typical elements are one scepter it's a dog (not always present). Representations of this patron deity are scattered throughout the city, although only eight of these are considered the most important. These are: the Genius of Villa Giulia, Genius of Revolution Square, the Genius of Palazzo Pretorio (Palermu lu nicu), the Genius of the Garaffo (Palermu lu granni), the Port genius, Genius of Villagrazia, Genius of the Apotheosis of Palermo (Palazzo Isnello) and the Mosaic genius (Palatine Chapel). The streets of the Treasures will therefore allow visitors to discover all own places of the Genius of Palermo, between squares, museums, palaces and laboratories.

Le vie dei Tesori 2022: events and walks dedicated to the Genius of Palermo

In addition to visiting the aforementioned Palazzo Isnello, it will be possible to participate in some particular experiences. The most curious of these is the flight on places of the Genius onboard a Four-seater Piper (Palace of the Eagles, Revolution Square, etc.). Another interesting event is the visit at the Botanical Garden at sunset, where is the statue of the Genius made by Dominic Pellegrino (2020). Among the special events, a meeting with the artists who participated in the event is also scheduled "The Genius of Palermo", made by Culture Summary between 1998 and 2005. Finally, there will be traditional walks around the city ​​of Palermo, which distinguish each edition of Le vie dei Tesori. Visitors will then be able to discover "The Vucciria del Genio and the foreign lodges", There Conza cave, Via Marmorea (The Cassaro), the "places of the Genius in the diaries of the Grand Tour"and much more.

Genius of Palermo at Villa Giulia - The streets of treasures 2022
Photo: © Eugen Kurz - Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

To participate in Le vie dei Tesori it is necessary to purchase some on the official website of the event (non-personal valid for multiple entries). Prices range from 3 € (for a single entry) up to 18 € (coupon from 10 inputs). The walks instead they have a price of 6 € per person. The special events and experiences, have different prices depending on the activity. Le vie dei Tesori is an event dedicated to enhancement of Palermo and its wonders. The Genius, despite being theemblem of the city, is little known by those who do not live in Palermo. What better opportunity to learn the history and symbolism of The genius of the place, protector of the Sicilian capital?

Featured photo: © Le vie dei Tesori.

The streets of treasures 2022: discovering the genius of Palermo last edit: 2022-05-21T09:00:00+02:00 da Antonello Ciccarello

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