Castello Utveggio is an architectural gem overlooking the city of Palermo from the top of Mount Pellegrino, offering one of the most intense and breathtaking views of the city. Standing at an altitude of 346 meters, the castle embraces the entire Conca d’Oro, creating a sense of grandeur and beauty that is hard to match.
It is a unique and evocative place that offers a stunning view of Palermo, and it stands as an important landmark for the city and its community.
Built in 1934 in a pseudo-Sicilian style as a tribute to traditional Sicilian architecture, the castle was designed and constructed by Cavaliere Michele Utveggio, a Palermo entrepreneur who intended to create a luxury hotel for the city’s most distinguished visitors. Castello Utveggio is an example of eclectic architecture, combining elements from various styles and periods.
The structure features towers, battlements, and arched windows, giving it a medieval appearance. The interior is equally impressive, with luxurious halls embellished with frescoes and stuccoes.
The construction of the castle marked an important moment for Palermo, which at the time was experiencing significant economic and cultural development.
Today, Castello Utveggio represents a key landmark deeply connected to the history and identity of Palermo. It stands as a symbol of the city and its people, who consider it a heritage site to be safeguarded and enhanced.
Recently, by order of the Presidency of the Region, Castello Utveggio has undergone significant restoration and redevelopment works, which have restored its original beauty, returned its former splendor, and adapted it to modern needs.
Today, the castle is a modern and functional facility that offers a range of services and activities for visitors. It serves as an important cultural and tourist hub, ready to host high-value cultural events and conferences.
Guided Tours
The guided tours of Castello Utveggio are designed to offer visitors a complete and engaging experience, combining historical and architectural insights with the enhancement of the site's natural landscape.
Tours will begin on Friday, December 5th, 2025, and will take place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Fridays are reserved for Secondary Schools visits, with three tours of approximately 50 minutes each:
- 9:00 am
- 10:30 am
- 12:00 pm
Tours are conducted in Italian and English.
Schools have dedicated booking procedures. Coordinators may contact the organization to arrange schedules and group management at: utveggiocastello@gmail.com
The maximum number of participants per tour is 35, including chaperones, who must be present at a ratio of one adult per ten students.
Saturdays and Sundays are dedicated to individual visitors.
Admission to Castello Utveggio is free and available only with mandatory reservation, with limited group entry.
There are 3 morning tours and 3 afternoon tours, each lasting approximately 50 minutes:
- 10:00 am – 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
- 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
To protect the natural area of Mount Pellegrino, the castle can only be reached via dedicated electric shuttles.
The visit and shuttle transfers are accessible to persons with disabilities.
Book your free visit
Booking Link
Meeting Point
The meeting point for check-in is located at Largo Antonio Sellerio (see on map):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VyFZhEQBHR3QfiyQ7
Visitors must present themselves for registration, showing the QR code received upon booking in order to board the shuttle.
It is essential to arrive at the scheduled time to complete the check-in process and ensure the punctual departure of the shuttle.
At the end of the tour, the shuttle will take participants back to the meeting point.
In case of delay, access to the tour cannot be guaranteed, as it would compromise the shuttle schedule and the proper running of the visit.
Daily Tour Schedule
| Check-in | Start of visit | Return |
Group A | 09.15 am | 10.00 am | 11.10 am |
Group B | 10.15 am | 11.00 am | 12.10 pm |
Group C | 11.15 am | 12.00 pm | 1.10 pm |
Group D | 3:15 pm | 4.00 pm | 5.10 pm |
Group E | 4:15 pm | 5.00 pm | 6.10 pm |
Gruppo F | 5:15 pm | 6.00 pm | 7:10 pm |
Groups of at least ten people, as well as those wishing to request guided tours in French, may contact the organization via email at: utveggiocastello@gmail.com