Contrary to popular belief, there’s more to this magnificent city than food, sea, and the Sicilian Mafia. Geographically situated on the northwestern coast of Sicily, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Palermo is surrounded by bountiful nature and landscapes. Over it’s known history, the city has survived a number of invasions and natural disasters. Through the destruction, they’ve managed to rebuild over the years, enriching it with more beauty than what existed before. Palermo has fallen under many rulers, the most influential being the Romans, Germanics, Arabs, Norman (the golden age for Palermo) and Spanish rule. A rich history exists here and it’s easy to see how in ancient times, the area was a melting pot of Arab and European civilizations. The city of Palermo is the largest in Sicily and one of the most populated of the cities within the Ancient Mediterranean.
Countless visitors travel to Palermo yearly, to experience its riches. The city itself offers visitors culture, art, food, music, and plenty of historic attractions and ancient buildings to explore; there are so many wonderful things to do in Palermo. Awarded the denomination of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, it´s no wonder why Sicily’s capital is a top destination. This metropolitan city boasts some of the most famous sites in the world. Palermo offers elements of impressively built museums and monuments as well as tranquil green spaces and walkways overlooking the water.
Old Town
The true historic center of Palermo starts at the entrance of the city, in front of Porte Nuevo. Inside the old town, there are many jewels to explore. Before entering, it’s a good idea to make a few historic stops outside the center first. You can’t miss the Palace of the Normans, also known as the Royal Palace of Palermo. The palace is now home to the Sicilian Regional Assembly. The Palatine Chapel is the highlight of the building and holds much symbolism. The three craftsmen working on the chapel each came from a different religious group yet were able to harmoniously work together to create the immaculately constructed chapel. The Monastery of the Capuchins and its collection of embalmed bodies is in many people's opinion, the best place to see, Palermo will surprise you if you decide to take in this site.
Once inside the old town, places to visit in Palermo include the Cathedral, the market of the Vucciria, Bonanno Village, Piazza Verdi, the archeological museum, Piazza Pretoria (Square of Shame) and Quattro Canti (Piazza Vigliena).
Culturally Diverse Capital
If you´re wondering what to do in Palermo, there is no shortage of monuments, museums, and theatres to enjoy. Famous for being the grounds of the third largest theatre in Europe, and first in Italy, the Massimo theatre is, without a doubt, a work of art just as much as the opera performances that take place inside its walls. The theatre is world renowned for the acoustics thanks to the horseshoe-shaped hall design. After over 20 years of restoration works, in the neoclassical style, the theatre reopened for the public. For a more in-depth exploration of the theatre, take a guided tour. When visiting Palermo, you should also check out the Politeama theatre, home of the orchestra symphony.
The Waterfront Promenade & Marina
When you need a break from exploring the historical center of Palermo, the best place to enjoy a stroll is at the Foro Italico. Continue along to La Cala, the marina of Palermo. Once an ancient port, the area is now a modern-day marina with conveniences of a restaurant and bar.
Starting at the Puerta Felice and ending in the local park, Villa Giulia. The traditional Italian garden landscape offers a vast green space and views of the sea. If walking away from the water, through the park, you arrive at the Botanical gardens. This is the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet.
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