Palermo Travel Guide
Towns and cities in Sicily
Palermo, the regional capital of Sicily, is one of those cities with a very distinct, almost tangible atmosphere. It is a buzzing Mediterranean centre with 1 million inhabitants, full of culture, art galleries, museums, historic markets and plenty of excellent bars, cafés and restaurants. In a world where so many places have become tourist-friendly to a fault, visiting Palermo is still somewhat of an adventure. Added to this its Arab-Norman cathedrals, Baroque palaces, and bustling markets, Palermo is a hub of historical charm and vitality.
About the area
Located in the northwest of Italy’s largest island, Palermo’s history has been anything but stable, and the city has passed from one dominating power to another with remarkable frequency. Its strategic position at the heart of the Mediterranean brought wave upon wave of invaders, including the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs, the Normans, and the French just to name a few. The result of this quilted history is evident today in the vast range of architectural styles, the intriguing fusion of ingredients used in many local dishes, and in the many place names whose etymology bypasses Italian linguistic traditions.
Things to do in Palermo
- Enjoy the city’s Arab-Norman artistry: Artistic delights abound at every corner, maybe most strikingly in the marvels of the city's Arab-Norman architecture. In 2015, Arab-Norman Palermo and its neighbouring cathedrals were granted status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spread over a combined 6,235 hectares and including nine monuments, from palaces to cathedrals.
- Wander through ancient markets: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of markets like Ballarò and Vucciria. The often faded grandeur of many of Palermo’s wonderful palazzi and churches in the centre gives way to popular areas where the way of life doesn’t fully belong to the 21st century. This is particularly true of the markets, whose Arabic origins are still evident today thanks to their noise, aromas and colours, their narrow labyrinthine streets, the exotic array of food on display, and their souk-like atmospheres.
- Discover the Teatro Massimo: A night at Teatro Massimo - Europe’s third largest opera house - is also a great experience.
- Admire the mosaics of Monreale: Take a short trip to the nearby town of Monreale to see the stunning mosaics in its cathedral, a highlight of Sicilian medieval art.
- Plan your Palermo itinerary: To fully embrace the essence of Palermo, view our three itineraries that guide you through the best experiences the city has to offer.
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