{ Chapter Three }
Called the Orphanage of the Good Shepherd or the Spersi, established by the Viceroy Count De Castro between 1617 and 1618 in the fourteenth century church of Santissima Annunziata, then abandoned. Guests wore black breeches and blue overcoats. From 1721 the boarders were taught music, which became exclusive to the institute since 1747. The church and part of the college were destroyed by the aerial bombardment of 1943. The institute, today the Conservatorio di Musica Vincenzo Bellini, is located in Via Squacialupo. AC, 208.
Collegio dei Turchini
Today a UNESCO World Heritage site; the castle’s construction was begun by Arab craftsmen for William I in the twelfth century. Clearly inspired by Moorish architecture, the name Zisa derives from the Arab term al-Azīz, meaning “dear” or “splendid”.
Castello della Zisa
A fourteenth century palazzetto south of the city, built by the powerful Chiaramonte family; destroyed by the aerial bombardment of 1943. AC, 211.
As to the name: Legend says that spirits were conversing in the tower.