Planeta Palace
A noble and ancient household, tied to the Borbons
It seems that the Planeta family was distinguished by its antiquity, splendor, and the martial virtue of its members, including ecclesiastics and noble knights. The family was also able to pass down titles through female succession—a privilege granted by Emperor Frederick II that allowed female succession in the absence of male heirs, albeit with limitations. Furthermore, it is historically confirmed that the Planeta family hosted the Neapolitan royals during the brief period of the Neapolitan Republic. At the beginning of the 19th century, the palace still retained its baronial appearance and furnishings befitting such a residence. This is corroborated by the precious porcelain bearing the date and name of the Bourbon dynasty of Naples. These items were among the assets looted by the populace in July 1943 when the palace, during World War II, was repurposed to house a military contingent.
Palace of the Planeta Barons
We are at Palazzo Planeta, a seventeenth-century residence of the Barons of Santa Cecilia, a true repository of valuable relics, many of which belonged to Monsignor Diego Planeta, a native of Sambuca, Archbishop of Brindisi, and the last President of the Apostolic Legation Tribunal. The Apostolic Legation was a religious and political institution established in 1098 during the Norman period by Pope Urban II, in recognition of Roger I's merits in liberating Sicily from the Arabs. This privilege led the Kings of Sicily to consider themselves directly linked to the Pope and thus entitled to exclusive jurisdiction over all ecclesiastical matters on the island (from the power to appoint bishops to participating with their representatives in the Councils of Sicily and Calabria, in accordance with the directives of the Roman See).
The complex tells its story through its exteriors: from the grandeur of the 17th century to the messages of peace from the 20th century
The palace—bounded by Via Bonadies-Monarchia and an expansive courtyard known as Planeta—is a very ancient complex, resulting from the aggregation of various buildings. It is organized around a cobbled courtyard, created in 1933 through rock excavation, and includes a terraced garden. The architecture, the style of the balconies, the use of stone, and the craftsmanship of the carvings suggest that the Baroni Planeta palace was built in the early 17th century. Although it has been partially renovated—the exterior facing Via Bonadies has been recently redone—the facade overlooking Via Monarchia remains original. On the facade is displayed a relic from World War II, a testament to the bombings that in 1943 destroyed much of the family residence. During the reconstruction, it was Vito Planeta who chose to preserve it as a stern reminder of the horrors of war, to be passed down through collective memory.
The interiors: a journey through the centuries
Entering Palazzo Planeta means halting time, as the residence of the Baroni di Santa Cecilia is not just a house, but a complex mechanism of memories, letters, costumes, and uniforms. Inside, there is a collection of tools related to agriculture and pastoral life known as the “farmer's museum.” On the first floor of the 18th-century building, a gallery, located in the former granaries that have been converted into an elegant private residence, houses military uniforms from the 1915-1918 war, other memorabilia belonging to the Planeta family, and portraits of the ancestors of the Planeta household. Among these is a portrait of Monsignor Vito Planeta (1789/1863), Archpriest of Sambuca and Abbot of the Church of Santa Maria del Soccorso in Nicosia, and his brother, Monsignor Diego Planeta (1794/1858), Archbishop of Brindisi and President of the Tribunal of the Apostolic Legation, who was born and lived here. Among the most beautiful pieces are: a collection of 19th-century men’s hats, women’s costumes, many military uniforms, and a unique “travel chapel,” evoking the memory of *The Leopard*, complete with ecclesiastical robes and World War I military uniforms.
Planeta Palace among the Places of Identity and Memory (LIM)
Due to its historical and identity-related aspects, also connected to prominent figures of its noble Sambuca family, Palazzo Planeta has been included by the Sicilian Region among the LIM (Places of Identity and Memory): this designation highlights its immense importance as a heritage site, around which it is possible to envision an innovative management model. This model would be based on a project for knowledge and enhancement, active and fully shared protection, and opportunities to define development strategies for the community that hosts it.
