Palermo, the lively Sicilian city, is a hidden treasure in Italy. With its ancient history rich in Greek, Norman, Swabian and Arab influences, Palermo is a place where architecture and culture merge in a unique way.
Visit the Cathedral of Palermo, a monument that will leave you breathless. Built in 1184, this Catholic basilica holds centuries of history and art, with mosaics and decorations that will make you feel like you’re in a magical place.
The Teatro Massimo is another must-visit for art and culture enthusiasts. Built in the late 19th century, this lyric theater represents the perfect synthesis of neo-Gothic architecture and performance, and will offer you the opportunity to attend world-class opera, ballet and concert performances.
The Four Corners, the central square of Palermo, is another attraction not to be missed. This 1600s square represents the city’s history and culture through monuments and statues, and will give you an unforgettable experience.
The Fountain of Shame is another piece of history worth knowing. Built in 1547, this fountain was used as a public punishment place for criminals, but today it attracts tourists from all over the world.
The Norman Palace and the Zisa Palace are two architectural gems of Palermo that cannot be overlooked. The Norman Palace, the oldest royal palace in Europe, houses the Palatine Chapel, famous for its Byzantine mosaics. The Zisa Palace, with its Arab architecture, is a museum exhibiting world-class Islamic art.
Monreale, a town near Palermo, is famous for its Monreale Cathedral. This Norman cathedral is known for its golden mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible and Sicilian history, a work of art that will leave you speechless.
Furthermore, Palermo is famous for its street food, such as panelle, chickpea croquettes, and sfincione, a pizza with tomato and onion. The city is also famous for its Sicilian cuisine, which combines Arab, Greek and Spanish influences in delicious dishes such as caponata, eggplant parmesan and arancini.
Foto di Antonio Magrì su Unsplash
