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During the 19th century an interesting and original phenomenon of political medievalism developed in Sicily. The Middle Ages, especially the Norman Age and the glorious moments of the island's history, were exploited and reworked by Bourbon policy to underline and legitimize Ferdinand I's hegemony over Sicily, creating a parallel between the Norman kingdom of Roger II and the Bourbon kingdom. At the same time the Norman myth is reworked and used by Sicilians to ask greater autonomy for the island and to get the freedom from the Bourbon yoke and subordination to Naples. Many intellectuals and historiographers participate in this political and cultural process. In architecture medievalism is expressed in the Sicilian Neo Gothic, therefore in the re-evaluation of medieval artistic styles, which is based on the reworking of the Norman-Swabian age. Examples are the restoration of the Palermo Cathedral by Marvuglia and Palazzotto and the new constructions of palaces and private villas such as Villa Pignatelli Cortes, the Chinese Palazzina, Campofranco Palace, Domville and Donnafugata's castle. In these monumental works we can see the influence of exotism and the political message in the Sicilian architectural culture during the 19th century and during the Risorgimento. Medievalism; Sicily; Risorgimento; Palermo Chathedral; Marvuglia; Palazzotto; Ferdinand I; Sicilian Neo Gothic.

Medievalism is a complex phenomenon of taste that has its roots in Romanticism and is characterized by the invention, reworking and exaltation of the Middle Ages or some of its particular aspects. During the nineteenth century the Medievalism of romantic writers, poets and artists was a strong engine of irredentism, nationalism and independence in many parts of Europe. It has found expression in many fields such as the Gothic Revival in architecture, the historical novel, the translation and publication of epic poems of Northern Europe, the arts and painting. During the Italian Risorgimento the popular myth of the medieval municipalities and the Lombard League animated the historiographic debate and influenced historical painting, the Neoromanesque style, opera and melodrama. In particular, intellectuals such as Sismondi and Balbo elevated the municipality of the Twelfth and Thirteenth centuries to the political model of a united Italy under the leadership of the Pope or the secular government. In their works, the communal age became a symbol of patriotism and national identity. A model that will be replicated by Fascism during the twentieth century, which today relives in folk festivals and historical re-enactments.

During the 19th century an interesting and original phenomenon of political medievalism developed in Sicily. The Middle Ages, especially the Norman Age and the glorious moments of the island's history, were exploited and reworked by Bourbon policy to underline and legitimize Ferdinand I's hegemony over Sicily, creating a parallel between the Norman kingdom of Roger II and the Bourbon kingdom. At the same time the Norman myth is reworked and used by Sicilians to ask greater autonomy for the island and to get the freedom from the Bourbon yoke and subordination to Naples.Many intellectuals and historiographers participate in this political and cultural process. In architecture medievalism is expressed in the Sicilian Neo Gothic, therefore in the re-evaluation of medieval artistic styles, which is based on the reworking of the Norman-Swabian age. Examples are the restoration of the Palermo Cathedral by Marvuglia and Palazzotto and the new constructions of palaces and private villas such as Villa Pignatelli Cortes, the Chinese Palazzina, Campofranco Palace, Domville and Donnafugata's castle. In these monumental works we can see the influence of exotism and the political message in the Sicilian architectural culture during the 19th century and during the Risorgimento. Medievalism; Sicily; Risorgimento; Palermo Chathedral; Marvuglia; Palazzotto; Ferdinand I; Sicilian Neo Gothic.