Juan Dominguez Palermo


Juan Dominguez Palermo was a Sicilian military officer and politician, who served in Buenos Aires during the Viceroyalty of Peru. His name is attached to one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, Palermo.

Biography

Palermo was born in Sicily, son of Domingo de Giovani and Maria de Vargas, belonging to a distinguished family. He served under the command of John of Austria, providing services in Malta, Naples and Spain. Established in the Río de la Plata by 1590, he received land grants in Buenos Aires, being the owner of several haciendas in the suburbs of the city. He was an active member of the City Council, serving as regidor for several years. He also held the honorary position of Mayordomo of Buenos Aires, a position concerning of the control of the economic activities of the city.
His wife was Isabel Gómez de Saravia, daughter of Miguel Gómez de la Puerta and Beatriz Luiz de Figueroa, a Creole family, descendant of :es:Miguel Gómez de la Puerta|Miguel Gómez de la Puerta and Benito Luiz de Figueroa, an conqueror of Paraguay, born in Porto.