Giulia Florio

Giulia Florio was born in Palermo on 28 June 1870, the daughter of Ignazio Florio, a wealthy entrepreneur and Giovanna d'Ondes Trigona dei Conti di Gallitano, a noblewoman of illustrious descent. She was the second of four children, brought up in a family that sought to cement its ties with the Palermo aristocracy through strategic marriages.

When she was only thirteen, she was betrothed to Pietro Lanza Branciforte Galeotti, XI Prince of Trabia, in a marriage contract that included a considerable dowry of 4 million lire from her father. Her marriage to the Prince of Trabia took place in 1885, resulting in a family of five children. Together, they lived first at Palazzo Butera and then at Villa Trabia alle Terre Rosse, where Giulia transformed the garden into one of the largest in the city. Thanks to this marriage, she became a prominent figure in Panormita's Belle Époque, organising sumptuous receptions in honour of the Royalty of Italy and Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany.

When her father Ignazio died in 1891, Giulia inherited another 1.5 million lira, increasing her dowry. She became the administrator of her husband's vast landed estate and, in 1939, received the Medal for the best farmer in Sicily.

Giulia Florio is remembered above all for her generosity and social commitment. She distinguished herself for her numerous initiatives in favour of the weakest, from the blind to orphans, financing private, public and religious institutions through a vast network of charities. This commitment intensified after the tragic loss of his sons Ignazio and Manfredi, who died during the First World War. It became a point of reference in the local logistical support network, fundamental for the care of military personnel returned to Sicily during and after both world wars.

In 1927, her eldest son Giuseppe also died. He had two natural sons, Raimondo and Galvano, from a clandestine relationship with the Venetian noblewoman Maria Maddalena Papadopoli Aldobrandini. Although she strongly condemned this relationship, after Joseph's death, Giulia decided to take care of her two grandchildren, especially Raimondo, who grew up in Palazzo Butera. Thanks to a Royal Decree issued in 1942, which placed natural and legitimate children on an equal footing in matters of succession, she managed to obtain the legitimisation of her two grandchildren, who adopted the surname Lanza Branciforte.

Donna Giulia Florio died in Palermo on 23 December 1947, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, social commitment and a deep bond with the city and its people.