FACTS: The blueblood idea comes from 13th century Spain, where a knight would show the blue veins of his forearms, visible against pale skin, to any doubters who thought he might be part Moor.

Sicilian nobility has always been a world apart, almost totally unrelated to society outside.

Early aristocrats were land owners: princes, dukes and marquis living off private income under the protection of governors. They had no intention of building something important for the society nor to administer their own goods except to preserve their privileged lifestyle, wealthy estates and coat of arms.

In Sicily, noble families carried out a certain amount of political and economic control until the early 1900s. In terms of social prestige, perhaps, they remained the most important class and still are in some ways.

Today one can find that same courtly atmosphere almost intact in many Sicily hidden corners, where many blue-blooded descendants still live in. In fact, a number of noble families have opened their palatial town to visitors, often on a private and exclusive basis.

Noble Palaces in the main cities of Palermo, Siracusa, Catania as well as Rural Mansions converted into famous Wineries, Museums or Hotels.

Some will be happy to meet you for a quick welcome and lecture on their own family history and even share a cup of coffee with your guests. Next to the aristocratic manners and approach you will experience the famous Sicilian warm hospitality that will make your stay a truly memorable one.

The Leopard (Il Gattopardo) well described the Sicilian Aristocracy. Il Gattopardo is a successful book translated in 46 languages that was written by Giuseppe Di Lampedusa in 1954. That is about a century after Sicilian nobility demise, telling about the declining fortunes Prince of Salina’s family. The perfect book to read before travelling to Sicily.