The Beati Paoli are, perhaps, the most mysterious citizens of Palermo, so mysterious we don’t even know if they existed. For more than five centuries, their name and the legend surrounding it has permeated the streets of Sicily’s capital, with some believing not only that they existed, but that they were the archetype of the island’s infamous mafia. Others, however,  relegate them to the realm of pure literature and lore.

Where is the truth? And why the fascination with this secretive organization,  rooted in the baroque past of beautiful Palermo? Real or not, the city embraced the Beati Paoli with warmth, as shown by the large amount of streets and shops bearing their name around town. But who were they and, most importantly, did they even exist?