Nowhere is Sicily’s exciting past more evident than in its capital city. Originally Phoenician, then a Carthaginian colony, built on a natural harbour and beneath the towering Monte Pellegrino, its setting is as dramatic as its chequered history.
At the heart of the city is the Baroque Quattro Canti (Four Corners), which divides the historic centre into four parts, all of which are accessible from here on foot.
Wherever you go, around every corner, behind every decaying façade, there are wonderful things to discover – Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, medieval, Baroque, Art Nouveau – in a maze of time and style.
Palermo hints at the mystery of its way of life, with an atmosphere which excites and feels exotic. It is a truly enthralling city.
What to See in Palermo: Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana), Palazzo dei Normanni e Cappella Palatina, Cattedrale di Palermo, Chiesa del Gesu, Museum of tiles Stanze al Genio, Palazzo Conte Federico, Piazza Pretoria, Quattro Canti
Best Way to Get Around Palermo: There is lots of traffic in Palermo so best to get a train in and explore on foot.
Best Things to Eat in Palermo: arancini, panino con le panelle (crisp fried chickpea fritters on soft sesame-seeded buns), sfincione (which is somewhere between pizza and bread, seasoned with tomato sauce, onion, caciovallo cheese, anchovies, and olive oil.
