Do you like old cities full of historical places? Then going to Sicily, and more precisely to Palermo, will be ideal for a weekend road-trip or during your next vacation. From the Palermo Cathedral to the Capuchin catacombs, passing by the Fontana di Pretoria, let yourself go to the Sicilian dolce vita! We take you to discover Palermo, Sicily, with its treasures, its Sicilian beaches and its famous historical monuments!
1. The cathedral of Palermo in Sicily
This cathedral, whose real name is "Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta", dates back to the 12th century. Magnificent medieval monument, the cathedral of Palermo is a Romanesque church that was built in place of the old mosque, which was itself built on a Roman temple! It is thus a place with a strong religious influence, which seduces by its very worked facades. If you venture inside, you will notice the predominance of the baroque style. If you wish to discover Palermo and its historical monuments, including the cathedral, click here to book a guided tour!
2. The typical markets of Palermo
Among the famous markets of Palermo, we can already mention the Ballaro market (open every day except Sunday) and the Vucciria market (Monday and Friday morning). Both markets will allow you to discover, through the typical Sicilian cobblestone streets, the local specialties of Palermo. As street food is very present in the Sicilian capital, you will also find stalls where you can taste the local specialties.
Pane con la Milza, sea urchin pasta or Sicilian orange juice are just a few of the delicious dishes and drinks to be discovered in the markets of Palermo! If you want to discover Palermo through its markets during a guided tour and taste the Sicilian cuisine, click here to make a reservation!
3. The unmissable Norman Palace and its chapel
As we have seen with the cathedral of Palermo, many influences can be found in the heart of this historic city. The Palazzo dei Normanni also fits this image! If today it houses the Parliament of the region, it was not always so.
The Norman Palace was originally a fortress, but also a residence of emirs and a palace of Norman kings in its past.
This massive palace and its lush gardens will immerse you in a part of Sicily's history, for an extraordinary visit. To crown the visit, discover the Palatine Chapel. Its gilding and superb mosaics will conclude this historical discovery of Palermo. If you are interested in a guided tour of the Norman Palace complex and the Royal Palatine Chapel book it here!
4. Visit the other palaces of Palermo
If you like palaces, don't just visit the Norman Palace! There are many palaces in Palermo: you will be spoilt for choice. Palazzo Grassellini or Mazzarino could also be part of your visit during your stay in Palermo. The Palazzo Comitini or the Palazzo di Zisa (12th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) are also places to discover.
For some of them, it is possible to enter the courtyard, to get closer to these historical monuments.
5. The most beautiful places in Palermo
We have selected for you three places that are not to be missed in Palermo. We start of course with the famous Quattro Canti. With its impressive baroque monuments and statues of Spanish governors, it is as beautiful as it is monumental.
During your stroll through the city, linger for a moment in Piazza Pretoria, as well as in Piazza Bellini. In the former you will find a huge round fountain, the Fontana di Pretoria, with its famous statues. Piazza Bellini is home to the Martorana church, which is worth a look both inside and out. If you want to discover the city's highlights, including its squares, during a guided bus tour, book your seat below:
6. Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele, the largest opera house in Italy
Barely smaller than the Opéra Garnier in Paris, the Teatro Massimo in Sicily is the largest in Italy. This gigantic opera house can accommodate up to 700 people on stage... You may be lucky enough to sit in one of the 1,600 seats of this theater, to see a breathtaking show! This 19th century opera house was recently restored (and reopened in 1997) after a long period of neglect. The result is well worth a visit, even if you're just visiting.
7. A visit to the Capuchin catacombs
Head for the monastery and catacombs of the Capuchins, famous in this Sicilian city. Strange, you may ask, for a visit on vacation? Perhaps, but it is also a memorable and popular visit, because these catacombs impress by their size and what is found there.
Indeed, there are no less than 8,000 mummies that you can see, including that of the little Rosalia Lombardo, very well preserved. The clothes of the mummies, classified by social status (but also by sex), are also particularly well preserved. These underground passages of the 16th century will be the occasion to discover another way of taking care of the dead, in another time and in another culture..
8. A relaxing day at the beach
After all these visits and excursions, a little rest is necessary! If you want to relax on the beach and take a swim, we recommend the bay of Palermo, its creeks and the beach of Mondello. It is a real little corner of paradise, which will allow you to see the outskirts of Palermo from the sea. Not far from the city, you can also enjoy the beautiful beaches of Cefalù, Pollina or Terrasini.
Want to discover even more beaches? Visit this page dedicated to the seaside in Sicily.
9. Discover the Italian gastronomy
As we have already mentioned, street food is abundant in Palermo! Don't be afraid of it: you'll taste real local specialties.
To begin with, we recommend you try the Italian doughnuts. There are two main types in Palermo: panelle with flour and chickpeas, and cazzilli with potatoes. Arancini are another specialty to discover. These are small balls of rice filled and fried. For dessert, let yourself be tempted by a cannolo. Although fatty, it is not very sweet. But be careful where you buy it: tourist traps exist everywhere, and those will be sold as fatty as sweet and will stay on your stomach! If you know how to find the good ones, you may come back to them often! One of the best ways to try out Palermo's street food is to take a guided tour, if you are interested in this tour click below to book:
10. The Pretorian Fountain in Palermo, Sicily
Another interesting square to visit in Palermo is Pretoria Square with its splendid fountain.
A few steps from the Quattro Canti, you will discover a large round fountain with statues, stairs and balustrades. For the record, the Pretoria fountain was also called the fountain of shame (fontana della vergogna), because the nudity of its statues shocked many people at the time.
11. A detour in town to the Quattro Canti
We've already mentioned it, but it deserves a little more explanation just for it: the Quattro Canti. You can't leave Palermo without at least taking a look at it! It is the most famous intersection in the heart of the old city. You can see beautiful buildings. Its fountain and its statues (the kings protectors of the city) complete this sumptuous decor that leaves no one indifferent.
12. The oratory of San Lorenzo
Called the Grotto of White Coral, this building by Giacomo Serpotta was built between 1698 and 1710. Allegorical statues, paintings in relief, the oratory of San Lorenzo gathers the works of many artists. Located in the Kalsa district, this monument will be a good place to stop during your visit to the historical center.
13. Villa Zito, now a museum
Villa Zito was originally a palace dating from the 18th century. Today it is a museum with exhibitions of Sicilian artists, but its history is rich and interesting.
The palace was originally owned by Gaspare Scicli, before being sold to Prince Antonio La Grua. This monument changed hands again over time, and today it is all its history that is found within its walls, in addition to the works that are exhibited.
As soon as you arrive, you will be impressed by its high palm trees, its large façade and its countless windows. This building has not lost any of its beauty despite the many owners who have succeeded one another!
What to visit in Palermo in one day?
If you have to go to Palermo for only one day, we recommend you to go to the city center. In the same area, you can see the Quattro Canti, with its ancient buildings and statues. Not far from there, Pretoria Square awaits you, with its naked statues and monumental architecture.
What if you went there on a market day? You will have the chance to discover at the same time the atmosphere of a Sicilian market, Italian specialties and to walk through many alleys of the city center. The best way to visit Palermo in one day is to opt for a guided bus tour of the city's most touristy spots. If you are interested in this tour click here to make a reservation!
How to visit Palermo?
It is advisable to visit Palermo on foot. You will have easy access to the whole city center, and will be able to go from church to palace, passing by the squares and fountains, more easily. Let yourself be carried away, let yourself go and taste a dish "à la sicilienne" (food-street, always!), and stroll from alley to alley taking your time, without having the constraint of a means of transport.
If you want to go to the beach or to visit Palermo, the bus is a good option.
What to do in Palermo at night?
The Vucciria, which you may have already discovered thanks to its market, is a mecca for Sicilian nightlife. You will find trendy bars and many works of street art during your evening outings in Palermo.
Want to sit down in a bar in the city center? You can turn to Il Siciliano, a tapas bar located in via dell'Orologio. The atmosphere is guaranteed, with live music in the evening, so you can relax while enjoying drinks and local dishes.
Afterwards, head to the Massimo Theater, to discover its impressive hall and shows. If you prefer the charm of the typical Sicilian theaters and period, the Teatro dell'opera dei Pupi will give you a folkloric show that you will remember for a long time. You can also opt for the Greek theater of Taormina. Culture lovers will be delighted in this Sicilian city!
Where to sleep in Palermo?
If you are going to Sicily on a budget the hotel Cortese is an interesting choice. With its simple but comfortable rooms, and its low all-inclusive prices, it is very well located and will allow you to enjoy its famous market while being on site. If you are interested in staying one or more nights in this hotel, click here to book!
If you are looking for a better standard of accommodation, without reaching exorbitant prices, we recommend hotel Ambasciatorifor about a hundred euros. We appreciate the refinement of this hotel, as much as its beautiful renovated rooms. If you want to book, click here!
For a slightly higher budget, the Hotel Garibaldi also opens its doors to you. Its comfortable rooms, elegance and impeccable service make it an ideal place to stay in Palermo. You will also be right next to the eponymous Garibaldi Theater! If you are interested in this hotel, book here!
What to do around Palermo?
If you want to get out of the city, you can go to the Zingaro nature reserve. This place is one of the most beautiful natural parks in Sicily and Italy. Strolls, hikes, panoramic views, swimming... Let yourself go for a moment of pure relaxation!
You can also discover Cefalù, its beach, its cathedral, its museum or its castle, just to name a few. A really interesting place, where you can easily spend the day. If you really want to go further, you can also take a trip to Sicilian cities such as Catania, Syracuse, Taormina or Messina. If you would like to book a half-day trip from Palermo to Monreale and Cefalù, click here!
Wondering what to do in Sicily after your stopover in Palermo? There are many beautiful things to see!
