Palermo, Italy

It is a culturally dynamic city, and in addition to the many museums, events and festivities are regularly organised.

The Feast of the Dead, celebrated on the second of November, is a popular event where the food includes pasta dei morti and biscuits sprinkled with white sugar. Celebrations in honour of the city's patron saint, St. Rosalia, take place from 11 to 15 July. The sanctuary dedicated to Saint Rosalia is built on the heights of Monte Pellegrino.

From the 606m high summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Palermo. Palermo's markets are surprisingly authentic. It is a place of incomparable scenery, the stalls are filled with food and various objects. A visit to the markets is a must, as it is a unique experience. You can go to the Borgo Vecchio market, the Ballaro market, the Capo market, the Vucciria market...

The city is characterised by a certain cacophonous animation. So those who are looking for peace and quiet will not find it in this part of Sicily. Noise is everywhere you go, especially in traffic where the use of the horn is particularly appreciated by Palermitans. Getting around the city is not easy either. Nevertheless, you have to be extra careful, as traffic lights and marked crossings are not always respected. Driving in the city is far from being an easy exercise, especially as motorised two-wheelers are legion!

What to see, what to do :

The Sicilian capital attracts thousands of tourists every year because of its beaches, ranked among the most beautiful in Italy. And especially the beaches that are known to be the hottest in Sicily.

If you too are planning to visit Palermo for its beaches and you like places frequented by tourists, we recommend the seaside resort Mondello. Otherwise, for a quieter and more intimate atmosphere, you have the Capo Gallo beach located north of Palermo.

But it's not just about the beaches, the city is also a great cultural destination. If it is the fun side of Palermo that appeals to you, here are some places and monuments that you should not miss:

Palace of the NormansThe Norman Palace: this magnificent palace, which served as the home of the Norman kings, bears witness to the city's cultural and architectural mix. Its interior is beautifully decorated with frescoes

The church of San Juan de los Ermites : this church, which looks like a mosque thanks to its Arabic domes, is without doubt the most beautiful place of worship. In addition to its atypical architecture, the Chiesa San Giovanni degli Eremiti fascinates by its location in the middle of a green area.

Il Castello della Zisa: this palace was once the harem of King William I of Sicily. Its architecture is well worth a visit.

Teatro Massimo Bellini: no trip is complete without a visit to the famous teatro massimo, ranked third largest theatre in Europe.

Visit :

Knows the richness having to do with all the Mediterranean cities that have benefited from various influences, the result of the many changes of domination over the city: the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Romans and then the Vandals succeeded one another, before a Muslim occupation of more than two hundred years... Then came the Norman kingdoms, the Spaniards, the Italian unification; its history is rich and ancient, which is reflected in its current heritage. Monuments and museums make its reputation: the Norman palace, the cathedral, the many churches, the Quattro Canti and the other beautiful piazzas of the city, not forgetting the ineffable charm of the small streets of the historic centre, without forgetting of course their incomparable Sicilian atmosphere.

The must-see tourist sites

It is an amazing city: multiethnic, lively and full of contrasts. However, it is first and foremost a city with a rich artistic heritage...here are the things you should not miss!

-Palace of the Normans

Inside this imposing Royal Palace you must visit the Palatine Chapel: built according to the will of King Roger II, it is one of the best examples of the Arab-Norman style

-Cathedral of the Assunta

The main church is a dream: in front of it you would think you were in an Arab country! It has been redesigned over the centuries, with each dominion adding its own touch to this masterpiece of art.

-Piazza Pretoria

This magnificent square is lined with baroque palaces and churches. In the middle stands the Fountain of Shame, so renamed because of the nudity of the male statues.

-La Martorana

The church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, better known as La Martorana, dates back to the Norman period and preserves some magnificent mosaics

-San Cataldo

Separated from the Martorana by a palm tree, this beautiful church was built in the Arabic style

-Vucciria and Ballarò

Visit the popular markets of the historic centre: you will be charmed by the thousand colours and smells!

-Catacombs

This is the cemetery of the Capuchin fathers, where mummies in a perfect state of preservation are found.

-San Giovanni degli Eremiti

This church bears witness to the Arab influence more than others: admire its red domes!

-Oratorio Santa Zita

This is a small chapel with a complex decoration: notice its stuccos!

-Parco della Favorita

This beautiful public park, once the hunting reserve of King Ferdinando IV, is the ideal place to relax.

Museums :

-The main museums are:

-The Museo Archeologico Regionale, with many Etruscan, Carthaginian, Roman and Greek antiquities.

-The Palazzo dei Normanni, one of the most beautiful Italian palaces and an outstanding example of Norman architecture, it houses the famous Palatine Cappella.

-The Zisa, which houses the Islamic Museum.

-The Palazzo Abatellis which houses the regional gallery. It was built at the end of the 15th century, it is an enormous palace of Gothic style with Renaissance influences.

Gastronomy:

Sicilian cuisine is such a testament to the island's mixed heritage and all the civilisations that have inhabited its lands. Each of them has left a gastronomic touch that can still be found in the traditional dishes of the region such as: risotti with shellfish, farsumagru, polpettoni, arancini or even couscous with fish.

Practical info :

-Planning a weekend

The capital of Sicily is often the first stop of a stay on the island, with its port connected by numerous links from the continent, as it can be the object of a long weekend... is indeed served by an international airport, with a good price flight you can easily organize the round trip in a short time...

Two or three days to visit seems ideal for a stay of this type. You can also take advantage of the proximity of two charming towns, Monreale, inland, known for its cathedral and its Byzantine frescoes, or Cefalu, a few kilometres east on the coast, a small port also known for its superb Byzantine cathedral... two excursions not to be missed, by renting a car, or by taking the bus! The city has a wide range of accommodation, but as a major tourist destination, demand is particularly high in season. That's why it's always best to book in advance...

The historical centre is the object of all the envy when looking for a hotel, but this impeccable location is generally expensive... but there are a few cheap addresses, including some budget hotels.

As everywhere in Italy, the quality of hotel services is generally average. The quality/price ratio is therefore not always good. Of course, there are good addresses; you should also not hesitate to look for guest houses, B&Bs or flat rentals, which are sometimes interesting formulas for more charm or autonomy...

Accommodation:

The budget for your accommodation will depend on you, the amenities and the comfort you are looking for. Youth hostels are an excellent choice, but don't count on luxury and privacy.