BAGHERIA
This is a densely populated agro-industrial centre on the southern slopes of Mount Catalfano, which here extend to the sea, forming the eastern boundary of the Gulf of Palermo. The town, which is situated in an area of large citrus groves, became important in the seventeenth century, when the nobility of Palermo chose to reside there because of the favourable climate. Thus in a brief time many villas and residences were built and the nobles escaped there from the summer heat. The town grew up in the shadow of the house of Branciforti of Butera, and developed between the end of the seventeenth and beginning of the eighteenth centuries, when a number of opulent houses were built. The Villa Gravina di Paiagonia is from the first half of the eighteenth century and is markecl by an elliptical plan. The facade has classical features, while some of the sculptural decorations are fantastic or monstrous. The Villa Gravina di Valguarnera, which was built in the early eighteenth century, recalls in the rich articulation of its facade and its architectural layout in general the architecture of the Renaissance. The carvings which adorn the facade are the work of Marabitti. The Villa Bonanni di Cattolica is also from the first half of the eighteenth century; its rooms have been used to house a Gallery al Modem and Contemporary Art with works by Guttuso, who was bom in this town. The Villa Branciforti di Butera, built in the second half of the seventeenth century, stands out among the other noble houses.