In neo-classical style, the Grand Hotel Wagner building has a long history: it was built at the beginning of the 20th century on behalf of the Commendatore Andrea Camminecci and his family, who sold it to the Cassa Nazionale Infortuni (National Institute of Accidents) with head office in Rome. Later on, it became the provincial office of Inpal (the National Institute for Worker Assistance) in the middle of the fascist period. Then at the beginning of the 1940s, the entire top floor was rented out to the family of Signorino dei Baroni di San Nicolò, originally from Polizzi Generosa.
During the Second World War, the solidly built cellars of the building were designated as air-raid shelters by the military authorities. Later on, the building was used as the British command post in Palermo and successively by the Americans when they entered the city.
After the war ended, the building became the property of Inail, who then rented it out to the Massimo Theatre. Lastly, in 2004, it was purchased by the Sicilian CORETUR VIAGGI group, present in the tourist market for over 30 years – The owner Dr.Giuseppe Cassarà is also the current national president of Fiavet (the association which governs all Italian travel agents) and, together with architects from the Studio Papiri di Roma, has transformed it into a luxurious hotel with 130 beds. Apart from the brand new Grand Hotel Wagner, Coretur also has the Florio Park Hotel – a 4-star seaside holiday hotel on the beach not far from Palermo.
Visit the website: Florio Park Hotel