Palazzo Duca di Santo Stefano
Taormina civil wedding venue
A masterpiece of Sicilian gothic art
Palazzo Duca di Santo Stefano is set amidst lush gardens and is an
appealing setting for an elegant civil wedding.
The Palace's magnificent square structure, massiveness, position and
battlemented walls make it look like a fortress, therefore making
people think that the initial constructor was a Norman. This 13th
century Palace, situated near Porta Catania has a beautiful garden
in front of its main facades facing east and north and was the home
of the De Spuches, a noble family of Spanish origin, who were Dukes
of Santo Stefano di Brifa and Princes of Galati. Palazzo Duca di Santo
Stefano is surely one of the masterpieces of Sicilian Gothic art, in
which the elements of Arabian and Norman art merge. Arabian
reminiscences are aroused by the decoration on the top part of the
palace. Norman art instead is recalled by its square tower-like
plan. The Palace is made up of three square overlapping sections. The
entrance to the ground floor is an ogival arch constructed with
squared blocks of black lava stone and white Taormina stone. An internal staircase, made entirely of wood, was reproduced
when the building was restored. On the second floor there are four
beautiful windows indisputably in Gothic style, two facing east and
two facing north, the noble prospects of the palace.
In the
gardens overlooked by the noble facades there is a well for the
collection of rain-water which was the water supply for the whole
palace. The municipality of Taormina only gained
possession of Palazzo Duca di Santo Stefano in 1964. The Palace today houses
the " Mazzullo Foundation ", run by a clever sculptor
who has succeeded in turning tradition into modernness.
Many of his
sculptures are on show in the Palace where you can also
appreciate archeological finds that go back to the 3rd century
B.C. Many exhibitions, concerts and theatre plays are held in the gardens
throughout the summer.
Civil wedding ceremonies
in Sicily are distinguished
by the following facts:
◊ Civil ceremonies are officiated by an Italian authority and are
legally recognized in your country ◊ Ceremony is performed in Italian by Mayor or civil registrar, with
an official Interpreter ◊ Ceremony consists in a mix between the articles of the Italian
civil code and traditional marriage vows ◊ Ceremony is at 12 pm and lasts about twenty five minutes.
It can be held on Tuesdays and on Thursdays also at 4 pm ◊ Two witnesses are necessary ◊ Civil ceremony by law must take place in buildings approved by the
Italian government ◊ Civil ceremonies in Sicily can be customized with elements that
express your personality and values: music, readings, poetry and
personal vows
