A few years ago I lived for three months on Corso Vittorio Emmanuele in Palazzo Vannucci, just a couple blocks from the sea and Palazzo Butera, which faces the Mediterranean Sea. At the time, it was still owned and occupied by 20th-century author Giuseppe Lampedusa's adopted son, Gioacchino. In 2016 he sold the family palace to wealthy art collectors Francesca and Massimo Valsecchi. The new owners will turn it into a museum. The second floor is undergoing restoration, but for a short time will be open to a curious public. La Repubblica has an exclusive first view for its readers. The space will be open for guided tours this Sunday from 10 to 2.
Sicily
Papa and Chollie Reina Dance
December 17, 2019
Giuseppe Maggio, my paternal grandfather, known to all as Papa, left, dancing with his best friend, Charles Reina, who was also best man at his wedding. Both immigrated from Santa Margherita Belice (AG), one town over from Corleone. They are having a ball in Papa's back yard at 515 10th Street, Carlstadt, NJ. I am guessing sometime late 1940s since my father took this picture. Papa liked to clown around. He had a twinkle in his blue eyes and always had a dime or a quarter under the tablecloth for his grandkids.