History
The garden of Casa Pennisi is one of the few Italian gardens that have resisted to property speculation assaults: the garden has maintained its original structure and dimension even though it is based in the heart of Acireale, where it was planted at the end of the XIX Century.
Focal point of the garden is a splendid wrought iron gazebo, with an elegant grid having a wisteria climbing on it, and the cobbled paving placed in geometrical shapes. The gazebo is surrounded by blue agapanthus, rose bushes, Macrantha geraniums and coloured Dimorfotecas.
A step further a circular basin shows an ancient earthenware fountain representing two playing boys: the fountain hosts water lilies, papyri, lotus flowers and has around it maidenhairs and flowering ferns.
Moving forward a spectacular sculpture of Phoenix reclinata designs incredible squiggles with the torsion of its long and flexible trunks. On the edge of the garden, a little church of the XVII Century, with its great marble altar, enlarges the area that can host cultural happenings.
Close to the building, tiny wrought iron stairs lead to a lookout from where it was once possible to admire the volcano. Finally, within the XIX Century main building, occupied by the owners, an elegant apartment ensures the possibility.
