Messina’s pawnbroker, who helped imprisoned debtors, began in 1541. Construction of the Palace of the Pawnbroker was started in 1616 but only the first floor was completed. In 1741 this elegant double staircase designed by Antonino Basile was added. Most of the structure was destroyed during the 1908 earthquake and WWII, leaving only the façade and this open-air courtyard. Monte di Pietà is now rented out for cultural events yet is also available to tour.
