Palermo, as the center of Sicily, is one of the most authentic cities. Norman buildings and the famous market have made the city world-renowned.
The former capital and coronation city of the Sicilian (Trinacrian) Kingdom. The city has existed for about 2700 years and is known for its distinctive historical, cultural, architectural heritage and unique gastronomy. The city and its surroundings are one of the centers of European Norman architecture.
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Palermo attractions
Palermo Cathedral
One of the most important buildings in the city, located in the city center. It has been a World Heritage Site since 2005.
Its construction began in the 12th century and was expanded and rebuilt in various styles over several centuries. The current neoclassical style was formed during the construction period between 1781 and 1801.
The exterior of the building features Norman-style facades along with baroque and renaissance elements. Inside, wonderful mosaics, carved columns, and ceilings decorate various parts.
Sicilian rulers were buried in the cathedral, such as Empress Constance, Emperor Henry VI, Constance’s husband, and their son Frederick II.
Norman Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni)
It was the power center of the Norman kings in the 9th century and is one of the most popular attractions in Palermo.
The building was originally built in Arab-Saxon style, later expanded with Norman and baroque elements. Later rulers also rebuilt and decorated the palace, so the building is now a unique mix of different architectural styles.
In addition to the beautiful gardens and inner courtyards in the building, numerous works of art have also found a place, including paintings, sculptures, and frescoes. The palace’s greatest treasure is the Cappella Palatina, decorated with gold mosaics, reflecting the power and religious faith of the Norman rulers.
All information can be found here!
Palatine Chapel
As mentioned above, it’s the most beautiful part of the Norman Palace, so it’s worth presenting separately.
Its construction was ordered by King Roger II in 1132 to replace the old chapel built in 1080.
There are different styles within the chapel: Norman architecture is associated with the decorative elements of the gate, Islamic architecture with the triumphal arches and the muqarnas decoration of the ceiling, and Byzantine architecture with the mosaics and the dome. On the ceiling in the main nave, there is an eight-pointed star, which is characteristic in Islam.
The chapel contains one of the largest gilded mosaics depicting biblical scenes.
Teatro Massimo
Italy’s largest opera house opened in 1897, so its history goes back a long way.
The building was built in neoclassical style, with an impressive facade and a huge dome. The interior features a ceiling decorated with beautiful frescoes and golden columns.
It hosts numerous theatrical events such as opera performances, ballet performances, and concerts.
Quattro Canti
One of Palermo’s most famous squares is a popular attraction for tourists as well.
Built in the 17th century, the four corners of the square feature baroque palaces of identical style with statues of local patron saints. When designing the square, the architects took into account the intersection of the city’s four main streets, thus making it the center of the city.
Cultural events and festivals are often held here, so its atmosphere is always vibrant and lively.
Martorana Church (Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio)
A domed church with a Greek cross floor plan. It is named after Admiral George of Antioch, whose tomb is located here.
The church was built in the 12th century, commissioned by Norman King Roger II. Despite later reconstructions, the building has retained its original Norman cross floor plan.
The church’s arcades were built in the Baroque era. The central figure of the richly decorated mosaic interior is the „Pantocrator Christ”, the most notable work of the Comnenian period of Byzantine art. The well-preserved marble floor also shows Byzantine influences, while the decorative motifs testify to Islamic influence.
Catacombe dei Cappuccini
One of Palermo’s most interesting and „scariest” attractions.
The building is located under a 16th-century monastery, where more than 8,000 mummified bodies have been placed along the walls. The catacombs were originally a burial place for the poor and monks, but later wealthy Palermo families also placed their loved ones’ bodies here.
The sight is impressive and shocking at the same time, but an important part of Palermo’s history and culture.
All information can be found here!
Piazza Pretoria
A historical square with the famous Pretoria fountain at its center.
The fountain originally stood in Florence but was gifted to Palermo by King Ferdinand II in the 16th century. The fountain was designed by Francesco Camilliani and built in beautiful Baroque style. The surrounding statues depict figures from Greek mythology and local history.
The square was nicknamed the „fountain of shame” because several houses were demolished by the city administration at the time to build it.
Piazza San Domenico
It is named after the Church of St. Dominic located in the square, which is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
In the center rises the Column of the Immaculate Conception. The former monastery of the Dominican order is located on the site of today’s Risorgimento Museum.
Vucciria
A street starting from Piazza San Domenico is an open-air market where almost all ingredients of Sicilian cuisine can be found on stands in alleys and small squares.
The word means chaos, referring to the noise caused by the „abbanniati”, the characteristic singing-accompanied shouts of the vendors, which is a feature of this market.
Vucciria is considered one of the centers of the street food movement in Italy and is one of the centers of the movida, the evening promenade in Palermo. Its characteristic dish is fried octopus, served with lemon.
Mercato del Capo
Also a well-known market close to the theater.
The history of the market dates back to the 1800s, and it has since been one of the most popular places for locals and tourists. The market features fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, and local specialties side by side.
Zisa Palace
The palace is a unique example of the combination of Norman and Arab architectural styles. Its name comes from the Arabic word al-Azīz, meaning impressive and kind.
The building served as the summer residence of the Norman rulers, where there was also a large hunting area. It currently functions as a museum, so we can also admire its interior.
Its most spectacular part is the central hall, where water enters the fountain from outside through the wall. This room served as a social and recreational venue for the royal family and the court.
All information can be found here!
Palazzo Abatellis
The impressive Gothic palace in the city center is now the headquarters of the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia.
Built in the 15th century, it was originally an aristocratic residence commissioned by Francesco Abatellis, one of Palermo’s chief port supervisors. In addition to the Arab-Norman heritage, Renaissance and Catalan Gothic styles also appear.
The museum in the building displays outstanding pieces of medieval and Renaissance art. These include paintings, sculptures, and religious and secular objects.
Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri
Located a few steps from Palazzo Abatellis, it is one of the most significant historical buildings.
Built in the 14th century, it initially served as the home of the Chiaramonte family, a Sicilian noble family. The building resembles a massive fortress, typically characterized by Gothic style features.
Over the centuries, it has served many functions. After the fall of the Chiaramonte family, the building became the residence of the Aragonese Viceroys, then was transformed into the center of the Inquisition, where tortures and interrogations were conducted. We can still see traces of various historical events on the walls and interiors of the building today.
Its most famous part is the Sala dei Baroni or Hall of Barons. This is a huge hall that was originally used as a venue for family and political meetings. The walls of the hall are decorated with frescoes depicting life in medieval Palermo.
All information can be found here!
Chiesa del Gesù
The impressive Baroque-style church was built in the 16th century for the Jesuit order.
The building’s facade is decorated with ornate marble columns and statues. One of its most outstanding parts is the ceiling fresco painted by Giuseppe Velasquez, depicting the life and miracles of Jesus. In addition, there are Renaissance and Baroque artworks, including masterpieces by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina.
Church of St. John of the Hermits (San Giovanni degli Eremiti)
The 12th-century Norman-style building offers a unique sight with its five red dome-shaped cupolas.
Initially, it served as a synagogue, later converted into a Christian church. Its stone carvings highlight the building’s distinctive, symbolic significance. The church includes a small cloister surrounded by paired columns.
Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Regionale)
One of Italy’s richest collections consists of artifacts from ancient Sicilian civilizations, including Punic, Greek, and Roman cultures.
The exhibited objects include valuable ceramics, sculptures, jewelry, and coins that showcase the rich and diverse history of the island. Particularly noteworthy are the giant metopes from Selinunte, which served as decorations for ancient temples.
In addition, the museum displays shipwrecks and their accessories used during the Punic Wars, as well as a rich Egyptian collection that includes sarcophagi and mummies.
All information can be found here!
Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico di Palermo)
The garden, which opened in 1795, is located near the coast in the downtown area.
It is located next to a beautiful Baroque-style palace, in whose garden more than 1,200 plant species can be found. It was originally created as part of the royal university and is now open for public visits.
There are numerous exotic plant species, such as tropical plants, cacti, and orchids.
All information can be found here!
Foro Italico
A larger park in the coastal area, in downtown Palermo.
The park has numerous benches and walkways, with excellent views of the sea and Mount Pellegrino rising in the distance.
Monte Pellegrino
It rises east of Palermo on the coast. The mountain is famous for its stunning panorama, from which the city and the sea can be seen.
At the top of the mountain is the Santa Rosalia sanctuary, a beautiful Baroque building built in the 17th century by the monks living here. The sanctuary displays the saint’s relics and paintings, as well as magnificent frescoes.