The present structure was commissioned by Giambattista Celestri, 1st Marchese di Santa Croce, along with his brother Tommaso.

Construction began in 1756, with the main layout and facade dictated by the designs by the architect and engineer Nicolò Anito.

By 1760, the work proceeded under Giovanbattista Cascione Vaccarini, who determined some of the decoration, including the stuccowork, of the main courtyard and of the facade.

In 1866, Marianna Celestri di Santa Croce, the last heir, willed the property to her cousin Romualdo Trigona, prince of Sant'Elia.

[2] The interior frescoes of the piano nobile are described by some as possessing subtle symbolism of the order of Free Masonry.