Palace of the Chamber of Commerce

Piazza Felice Cavallotti, 3. (Open Map)
(75)

Description

It is an example of Renaissance art. It is located in piazza Cavallotti, at the back of the Old Custom House. Before the earthquake of 1908, it was in the municipal building. Construction started in 1912 and ended in 1926, by the architect Camillo Puglisi Allegra, who designed it when he was only 27 years old. 

The building has a white marble flight of steps and three entrances with balustrades and balconies on the top and is enclosed by large wrought iron gates. 

The original plan of the building had only one floor. During the Second World War, the building was damaged and they decided to build another floor. The whole façade is ashlar. After entering the main entrance, there is a foyer where there are bronze statues of famous personalities of Messina; a monumental staircase leads to the first floor. 

The Exchange hall is very striking and in Neoclassic style, which occupies the central part of the building; in the interior, there are sculptures of Bonfiglio.