The Italo-Albanian Seminary of Palermo marks 291 years since its founding.

The seminary was founded in 1734 in Hora e Arbëreshëvet (Piana degli Albanesi), near Palermo. It is considered the first centre of Albanological studies. The Centre for Arbëresh Studies and Publications recalls that Gjergj Guxeta founded the seminary. Arbëresh scholar Pjetër Andrea, originally from Himara, served as its first rector for ten consecutive years.

The seminary functioned as a centre of education, learning, and culture. It preserved the Albanian language and Arbëresh traditions. It trained generations of Arbëresh intellectuals, writers, and poets. This tradition shows the long-standing commitment to preserving and spreading Arbëresh cultural heritage.

The institution is also known as the “Greek Seminary.” The name refers to the Greek (Byzantine) rite followed by the Arbëresh community.

The seminary stands in the historic centre of Palermo. It faces the monumental post office building. It lies between Via Seminario Italo-Albanese and Father Gjergj Guxeta Square (Piazza Padre Giorgio Guzzetta).

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