Dating from the 15C and later fortified, the palace was built for the Dukes of Santo Stefano, a noble family of Spanish origin. The frieze of lozenges in alternating black and white Syracuse lava rock that flanks the elaborate arcaded high facade is the characteristic element in the decor of this palace. It is home to the Mazullo foundation, named after Sicilian sculptor Giuseppe Mazzullo (1913-1988), whose work is shown in the garden.