The capital of the Mediterranean island of Sicilyis one of Europe's oldest cities. Explore the antique buildings, see medievalmummies and enjoy the Sicilian cuisine.
Palermo is the capitalof Sicily, a historic port city full of palaces, churches and other oldbuildings. The mix of architectural styles reflects the city’s past Palermohas been successively conquered, occupied and abandoned over the centuries.Arabs, Normans, Byzantines, French and Spaniards have all ever occupied Palermoin the past.
Palermo’s History
Visit QuattroCantiin, the historic district. The square is located at theintersection of two main roads of Palermo and hasfour identical baroque buildings on its corners, displaying statues of the fourSpanish rulers of the city.
Visit the eclectic 12th Centurycathedral which is a collision of all Palermo’scultures, from its Arabic architecture to Romanesque flourishes, from itsGothic 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 doorof the Palazzo di Alliata Pietratagliata and admire its Gothic decor andarchitecture.
Discover Greek, Roman and Etruscan artefacts in theMuseo Archeologico Regionale Antonio Salinas. Examine medieval art in theGalleria Regionale and modern works in the Galleria d'Arte Moderna. Buy seafoodand souvenirs on the open market La Vucciria and find second-hand clothes atthe market Ballarò. Then take advantage of the beautiful sun and relax at oneof 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 youwill find thousands of mummies, some of which are well preserved, while othersare in various states of decomposition. They lie on racks, hang on the walls orfill different nooks. Make sure you take a look at the bones that decorate theceilings - lovely.
Remember, Sicily isstill Italyand 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, suchas pasta with sardines and Cassata Siciliana, a traditional cake.
Fly into PalermoInternational Airport or arrive by boat or train. Palermois a major transport hub, making it a very easy location to reach. When you’rehere, you can easily explore the area on foot.
