The palazzo, the city's most handsome civic building, is the work of Ignazio Paternò Castello, Prince of Biscari. This art, literature and archaeology enthusiast financed numerous digs and set up an archaeological museum right inside his palace. The south side is richly decorated. Visit the reception rooms, especially the ballroom decorated with stuccowork, gilt and mirrors, and a fresco by Sebastiano Lo Monaco on the cupola.