Palma di Montechiaro was founded in 1637 by Carlo De Caro Tomasi, prince of Lampedusa, after having obtained a licentia populandi by Philip IV in the same year. It was also known as the city of "Il Gattopardo" (The Leopard), the famous novel written by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, descendent of the founder of the town, successively adapted into a film by director Luchino Visconti.
The Castle of Montechiaro is set between the mouth of Palma river and Punta Bianca; belonged to the Chiaramonte family, it is characterized by a severe appearance, despite the small size.
The Mother Church, with an imposing baroque façade, is set at the top of a large flight and it is one of the most beautiful example of the Sicilian Baroque style. It beholds the tomb of the astronomer Giovanni B. Odierna.
Interesting are also the Benedictine Monastery of Maria SS. del Rosario, and the Torre di S. Carlo, a tower erected during the XVII century by Prince Carlo Tomasi di Lampedusa.