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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
Per night/room
12 Nov-13 Nov
Eurostars Centrale Palace
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 327, Palermo, PAWell situated in the old town with good facilities and period features. Helpful staff.
Per night/room
3 Nov-4 Nov
Astoria Palace Hotel
Via Montepellegrino 62, Palermo, PAStaff was very friendly, service and continental breakfast very good!
Per night/room
11 Nov-12 Nov
Artemisia Palace Hotel
Via Roma 499, Palermo, PAModern boutique style hotel. Very well cleaned everyday. Spacious bathroom. Excellent breakfast. Staff very accommodating and welcoming. Air conditioning worked well. Fairly central although a long walk from the station. Room was very comfortable but was too small (there are larger rooms available). ...
Per night/room
1 Nov-2 Nov
Best Western Ai Cavalieri Hotel
Via Sant'Oliva 8, Palermo, PAGuiseppe at front desk was very helpful. good breakfast
Per night/room
11 Nov-12 Nov
Hotel Garibaldi
via Emerico Amari, 146, Palermo, PALocation was great. Clean comfortable room with lots of space. Buses to all areas very close. Breakfast was very good. Close to restaurants bars and retail stores.
Per night/room
13 Nov-14 Nov
Hotel Casena Dei Colli
Via Villa Rosato 20-22, Palermo, PAtoo far away from town- without a car not a good place to stAY
Per night/room
4 Nov-5 Nov
Hotel Palazzo Sitano
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 114, Palermo, PAThere is a poor selection for breakfast. My room was very dark with no view out of the window. The hotel is very well situated.
Per night/room
14 Nov-15 Nov
Grand Hotel Wagner
Via R. Wagner, 2, Palermo, PAThe property is located within walking distance for many of the important historical sites and two blocks from where you can catch the hop on hop off bus. The staff is fantastic and everything is done immediately when asked. The rooms are beautiful. Enjoyed every minutes I was there.
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.
Top things to do in Palermo
#1Palermo Cooking Class with Chef
The cooking class takes you through the whole process of cooking an authentic Palermitan meal; from shopping for ingredients in Palermo's oldest market, to c...
recommend100% of travellers recommend
Free cancellation Free cancellation
#2Guided tour to Palermo & Cefalù from Taormina
One excursion to get to know the Sicilian hinterland and the Tyrrhenian coast by visiting two of the most important cities of art in Sicily: Palermo and Cefa...
Free cancellation Free cancellation
#3Guided Street Food Tour in Palermo
Explore the main squares and street markets of the Palermo’s city centre on this 3-hour walking tour with a local guide. Sample the best street food the city...
Free cancellation Free cancellation
#4Small Group Tour to the Valley of Temples in Agrigento
Explore one of the most outstanding examples of Greater Greece architecture with a day trip to the ancient Valley of the Temples of Agrigento. Roam the ruins...
recommend48% of travellers recommend
Free cancellation Free cancellation
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