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Palermo City Guide
Palermo is the capital of Sicily, a historic port city full of palaces, churches and other old buildings. The mix of architectural styles reflects the city’s past; Palermo has been successively conquered, occupied and abandoned over the centuries. Arabs, Normans, Byzantines, French and Spaniards have all ever occupied Palermo in the past.
Palermo’s History
Visit Quattro Cantiin, the historic district. The square is located at the intersection of two main roads of Palermo and has four identical baroque buildings on its corners, displaying statues of the four Spanish rulers of the city.
Visit the eclectic 12th Century cathedral which is a collision of all Palermo’s cultures, from its Arabic architecture to Romanesque flourishes, from its Gothic gargoyles to its baroque interior. Take a tour of the Church of San Cataldo, an Arab-Romanesque building with three domes. Walk past the heavy wooden door of the Palazzo di Alliata Pietratagliata and admire its Gothic decor and architecture.
Discover Greek, Roman and Etruscan artefacts in the Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonio Salinas. Examine medieval art in the Galleria Regionale and modern works in the Galleria d'Arte Moderna. Buy seafood and souvenirs on the open market La Vucciria and find second-hand clothes at the market Ballarò. Then take advantage of the beautiful sun and relax at one of the many beaches.
The Catacombs
Explore the most unusual and unique attraction in Palermo, the Catacombe dei Cappuccini, a crypt beneath the Piazza Cappuccini. Here you will find thousands of mummies, some of which are well preserved, while others are in various states of decomposition. They lie on racks, hang on the walls or fill different nooks. Make sure you take a look at the bones that decorate the ceilings - lovely.
Remember, Sicily is still Italy and that means one thing is certain; the food round here will be to die for. Feast on the pizzas prepared in wood ovens and enjoy regional favourites, such as pasta with sardines and Cassata Siciliana, a traditional cake.
Fly into Palermo International Airport or arrive by boat or train. Palermo is a major transport hub, making it a very easy location to reach. When you’re here, you can easily explore the area on foot.
Guide to Exploring Palermo
Top Hotel Deals
Astoria Palace Hotel
Via Montepellegrino 62, PalermoLocated in the heart of Palermo, this hotel is within 2 miles (3 km) of Palermo Harbour, Teatro Massimo and Regional Archaeological Museum. Renzo Barbera Stadium and Regional Gallery are also within 2 miles (3 km). Giachery Station is 5 minutes by foot and Fiera Station is 9 minutes.
Hotel Palazzo Sitano
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 114, PalermoLocated in Kalsa, this spa hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Via Vittorio Emanuele, Regional Gallery, and Martorana. Church of San Cataldo and Regional Archaeological Museum are also within 15 minutes. Palermo Central Station is 13 minutes by foot and Palermo Palazzo Reale-Orleans Station is 22 minutes.
Cristal Palace Hotel
Via Roma 477 A, PalermoLocated in the heart of Palermo, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Via Roma, Teatro Massimo and Regional Archaeological Museum. Church of San Cataldo and Martorana are also within 1 mile (2 km). Giachery Station is 17 minutes by foot and Palermo Central Station is 24 minutes.
Albergo Mediterraneo
Via Rosolino Pilo 43, PalermoLocated in Ruggero Settimo, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Teatro Massimo, Regional Archaeological Museum and Politeama Garibaldi Theater. Piazza Ruggero Settimo is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) away. Giachery Station is 21 minutes by foot and Palermo Central Station is 22 minutes.
Artemisia Palace Hotel
Via Roma 499, PalermoLocated in the heart of Palermo, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Via Roma, Regional Archaeological Museum and Teatro Massimo. Church of San Cataldo and Martorana are also within 1 mile (2 km). Giachery Station is 16 minutes by foot and Palermo Central Station is 25 minutes.
Grand Hotel Villa Igiea Palermo MGallery by Sofitel
Salita Belmonte 43, PalermoThis family-friendly Palermo hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Palermo Harbour and Favorita Park. Renzo Barbera Stadium and Teatro Massimo are also within 3 miles (5 km). Fiera Station is 20 minutes by foot and Giachery Station is 22 minutes.
Hotel Casena Dei Colli
Via Villa Rosato 20-22, PalermoSituated in Palermo, this romantic hotel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Teatro di Verdura and Renzo Barbera Stadium. Villa Niscemi and Chinese Mansion are also within 15 minutes. Palermo Francia Station is 16 minutes by foot and Palermo S. Lorenzo Station is 21 minutes.
Mondello Palace Hotel
Viale Principe di Scalea, PalermoOffering direct access to the beach, this Palermo hotel is on the boardwalk and within a 5-minute walk of Mondello Minigolf and Mondello Beach. Capo Gallo Nature Reserve and Favorita Park are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Top Deals on Flights
These prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices quoted are per person, return, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.
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