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FROM MUCHA TO FLORIO: ROCCO FORTE HOTELS UNVEIL THE ITALIAN ART NOUVEAU UNIVERSE IN ROME AND PALERMO (Italy)
Rocco Forte Hotels launches a new itinerary, unveiling the beauty and savoir-vivre of the Belle Epoque in Italy. |
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This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on Tuesday 14 October 2025
 Nestled between Monte Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo, Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte hotel blends the city's rich cultural heritage with contemporary luxury
Photo credit © Rocco Forte Hotels
The itinerary offers new avenues of exploration in Italy, with exclusive and tailor-made liberty-led experiences celebrating the artistic dialogue between two Italian cities that embraced the flamboyant Art Nouveau style in distinctive ways at the turn of the 20th century.
Rome itinerary: celebrating the eternal city Belle Epoque with Mucha
The Belle Epoque Journey, designed by The Maptique, begins in Rome. In the Eternal city, Liberty emerged with a different character: playful, eclectic, and often blended with Renaissance and Baroque influences.
The experience starts with a morning walking tour from Galleria Sciarra, Casina delle Civette, Quartiere Coppedè, with optional visits to Villino Cagiati and Villino Ximenes and afternoon visit to the Mucha exhibition at Palazzo Bonaparte of which Hotel de la Ville is cultural partner.
Palermo itinerary: on the footsteps of the Florio
The itinerary culminates in Palermo which flourished as a cosmopolitan hub, driven by visionary families such as the Florios. The tour, realized in partnership with Essence of Sicily, touches on the most representative places of the family's history, including: the Cala, Via Libertà, Villino Florio, Villa Malfitano, the Massimo Theatre and Villino Quattro Pizzi.
It ends with a private visit of Villa Igiea's interiors, including the worldwide famous Bergler's Sala degli Specchi at Villa Igiea where the guests can indulge in a special afternoon tea.
The journey continues inside the Rocco Forte properties, at Cielo Rooftop Bar and Igiea Terrazza Bar, where three signature cocktails by Maestro Salvatore Calabrese together with Simone di Serio and Nicola Loiacono, will be making their debut.
This cultural bridge brings together Palermo's floral sensuality and Rome's urban eclecticism, connecting them through the European language of Art Nouveau and the universal imagery of Mucha whose imagery defined the Art Nouveau movement in Europe.
The liberty journey: the cocktail list
Belle de nuit | Altamura Vodka, Campari Cask Tales Bourbon, Mancino Sweet Vermouth, Acqua Bianca Liqueur, Lemon twist. “Inspired by the charm and beauty of Parisian nights during Belle Epoque”.
Parisian chic | Angostura Bitters, Courvoisier VSOP, Artistic Alternative Jasmine Kombucha. “Inspired by fashion and style of that Golden Age”.
From Rome to Palermo | Fresh lemon juice, Simple Syrup, Red Prickly Pear Puree Boiron, VII Hills Gin, Stillabunt Magic Velvet, Essentia green mandarin finish. “The harmonious blend of the two cities that will accompany guests throughout this journey”.
Florio bloom | Sicilian Citrus Gin, Marsala wine reduction, Elderflower Liqueur, Sparkling tonic. “A nod to the Florio family legacy and Sicilian blossoms”.
The seasons (1896) | Pear Cognac VSOP, Chamomile American Vermouth, Acqua Bianca Liqueur, Honey Syrup, Orange Bitter. “Such as Mucha's women, this cocktail dresses up with light and colour, and each flavour tells a season”.
Gismonda (1894) | Spanish-style Rum, Violet Liqueur, Orange Liqueur, Honey Syrup, Fresh Lemon juice, Champagne. “A toast to the divine Sarah Bernhardt, whose theatrical elegance made her an icon of the Belle Époque”.
Belle Epoque itinerary: Fron Rome to Palermo | The itinerary is available exclusively for the guests of Villa Igiea and Hotel De La Ville.
Reserve here: Villa Igiea Concierge Hotel De La Ville Concierge
Villa Igiea
Nestled between Monte Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo, Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte hotel blends the city's rich cultural heritage with contemporary luxury. Set against the breathtaking Sicilian landscape, the historic property offers 72 rooms and 28 suites. The hotel's meticulous restoration was led by Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen of Paolo Moschino, Ltd in collaboration with Olga Polizzi, Rocco Forte Hotels' Director of Design.
Dining options include Florio Restaurant, Igiea Terrazza Bar, and Alicetta Bistro, offering authentic Sicilian cuisine curated by Fulvio Pierangelini and cocktail creations by Salvatore Calabrese.
Hotel de la Ville, Rome
Hotel de la Ville, a Rocco Forte hotel, is set in an 18th-century palazzo atop the Spanish Steps in the heart of the Eternal City. Featuring 104 elegant rooms and suites, the design by Tommaso Ziffer in collaboration with Olga Polizzi celebrates the Grand Tour era.
The hotel offers stunning views, exceptional service, and a variety of dining experiences, including Cielo Restaurant and Bar, Mosaico, Julep Bar, and Café Ginori which sits alongside its flagship boutique. The state-of-the-art Irene Forte Spa is one of Rome's top wellness destinations.
About Rocco Forte Hotels
Established by Sir Rocco Forte and his sister, Olga Polizzi in 1996, Rocco Forte Hotels is a collection of 15 individual hotels, resorts, residences and villas. All of the hotels are landmarks, both old and new, occupying magnificent buildings in exceptional locations. Led by a family who has been in hospitality for four generations, the hotels are united by their distinctive approach to service ensuring guests experience the best of the cities and surrounding areas. Rocco Forte Hotels comprises: Rocco Forte House, Milan; Hotel de la Ville, Hotel de Russie and Rocco Forte House, Rome; Hotel Savoy, Florence; Verdura Resort, Rocco Forte Private Villas and Villa Igiea, Sicily; Masseria Torre Maizza, Puglia; The Balmoral, Edinburgh; Brown's Hotel, London; The Charles Hotel, Munich; Hotel de Rome, Berlin; Hotel Amigo, Brussels and Hotel Astoria, St Petersburg. Future openings: The Carlton, Milan in 2025; Costa Smeralda, Sardinia and Palazzo Castelluccio, Noto in 2026; Palazzo Sirignano, Naples in 2027.
Ultimate luxury experience will end on 2026-03-31
 Hotel de la Ville, a Rocco Forte hotel, is set in an 18th-century palazzo atop the Spanish Steps in the heart of the Eternal City
Photo credit © Rocco Forte Hotels
 Villa Igiea - Sala Basile
Photo credit © Rocco Forte Hotels
 Photo credit © Rocco Forte Hotels
 Photo credit © Rocco Forte Hotels
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