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 HISTORY OF THE VILLA
In 1927 the journalist and entrepreneur, Cosimo Mollica Alagona began the construction of this original Villa to take advantage of the sites and surroundings that Goethe, Houel, Maupassant and other literary greats so enjoyed in their travels. The hotel's grand opening was in December 1929. Equipped with the most modern amenities of that time, the Villa soon became the meeting place for artists and well-known dignitaries. The famous Catanian actor Angelo Musco described it as "a heavenly place by name and fact". It has been restored to its former glory, complete with authentic furnishings and once again offers its guests the atmosphere and charm of its past together with the highest quality of service. As in the past, guests are able to enjoy beautiful views of mount Etna and its spectacular volcanic activity from the hotel's terraces
DESCRIPTION OF THE VILLA
The hotel is situated 10 km (6.2 miles) from Catania, on the slopes of mount Etna between San Giovanni La Punta and Viagrande. The main gate leads to a stupendous centuries old garden containing antique statues and vases. In the garden there is the swimming pool, the tennis court, the fitness centre and a typical Sicilian kiosk "chiosco", which becomes a coffee bar in the summer season. The entrance hall, accessed via an elegant flight of steps from the garden, has a homely feel with sofas, paintings and flower arrangements. Professional and friendly reception. The rooms and the suites, all with a panoramic view of mount Etna or the garden, are furnished with antique Sicilian furniture, traditional upholstery and old prints. Marble floors with inlaid graniglie, trompe l'oeil fresco décor and handcrafted stucco create a very refined ambience. The rooms and the suites are equipped with: telephone, mini bar, safety deposit box, satellite TV, internet connection, air conditioning, smoke detector, hair dryer. The suites also have hydromassage baths. "La Pigna" restaurant and the porch with a view of the volcano, where you can have breakfast to the background music of Chopin, all add to the charm of the hotel. The culinary delights of "La Pigna" restaurant which offer the typical Sicilian cuisine or Italian and international cuisine, which are all prepared with care and the use of the freshest ingredients. Wine from the hotel's cellar. Meetings and Conferences rooms offering the most sophisticated technical equipment for business meetings or conferences and the Cosmo Mollica room with its old lava stone wall, the boiseries and liberty glass windows create a warm atmosphere for selected groups, working breakfasts and pleasurable private meetings.
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