Danisinni is a neighborhood in Palermo, which has undergone requalification works and it has become one of the main attractions of the Sicilian capital. In fact, Lonely Planet even included it in its guide, demonstrating how fascinating the neighborhood is.

The history of Danisinni

A neighborhood of Arabic origins, Danisinni is always been subject to a social stigma, which marginalized and isolated the community.

Things started to change in 2015 when two professors of the Palermo Academy of Fine Arts started a project called "Rambla Papireto". The project started the qualification of the area. The professors managed to obtain a piece of land, which had been illegally occupied. Then, they donated it to the Community of Danisinni for the creation of the educational farm and garden.

In the same year, Fra Mauro Billetta, with the parish of Sant'Agnese, started to involve many cultural figures in order to fight school dropouts.

During the years, many circus art courses, street art classes, and art courses were held. Moreover, Danisinni Circus was born, as it represents the first social circus in the city. Museo Sociale Danisinni, a contemporary art center was born. It hosts 150 artworks, which were donated to the museum by worldwide artists. The museum has become an important art center, where the flux of ideas is the propulsion engine of change.

Danisinni nowadays and social tourism

Nowadays, Danisinni is experiencing a revival. After the first steps that helped it overcome the marginalization and isolation, the neighborhood has become a melting pot, an incubator of different realities that cooperate through art and spectacle.

Another boost has been given by tourists, who are more aware of social and environmental factors. We at Wonderful Italy have also moved in that direction, with a program that follows six objectives of social impact.

We offer our guests four rooms in the heart of Danisinni. Our guests can take part in the urban prequalification of the neighborhood through social tourism. In fact, the tourists coming to Danisinni can get in contact with the most authentic side of Sicily. Moreover, guests can also have lunch in the houses of locals and share moments of gathering, thanks to our collaboration with the parish and the local associations.

We also offer a Tour of Danisinni. It's perfect for those who want to explore Palermo's living soul. Together with the guide, you will discover how many stories, Arab qanats, and rivers still flow inside Palermo's heart.

You can also watch the arrival of our first guests in Danisinni, who loved the tranquility of the place and the surrounding nature:

Take a look at our homes and experiences in Palermo, so you can stay in contact with the soul of the city.