Piazza Pretoria (Pretoria Square), Palermo

In 1573, the city senate purchased a monumental fountain originally designed for a private garden in Florence. Once reassembled, it quickly became clear that the sculpture was too large for the square. Several surrounding buildings were demolished to make room for it, leaving the fountain densely packed into the space it still occupies today.

Three sides of the square are enclosed by buildings. Dominating the south side is the Praetorian Palace, Palermo’s town hall, from which the square takes its name. The building is also known as the Palace of the Eagles, after the eagle symbols associated with the city. Originally constructed between 1463 and 1478, the palace has undergone later alterations, combining late Gothic origins with Renaissance and Neoclassical elements. Today, it houses the mayor’s offices and ceremonial rooms.

The east side of the square is bordered by the Church of Saint Catherine, which stands between Pretoria Square and Bellini Square. The church’s exterior reflects a mix of Renaissance structure and later Sicilian Baroque additions, while its interior is richly Baroque. An aristocratic residence also presses tightly against the square: Bonocore Palace on the north side.

The west side of the square opens toward Maqueda Street, where stands the Church of San Giuseppe dei Teatini, a Theatine foundation whose restrained exterior contrasts with the richly layered churches opposite it.