Palermo
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Good Place to Eat,
Good Views / Viewpoint,
Tip - Suggested Itineraries,
Tip - What to See & Do,
Town / City
Sicily was raided and conquered so many times over thousands of years that Sicilian culture is a unique blend of several different cultures - and Palermo is no different. The city’s sights include fine examples of Norman, Gothic and Baroque architecture - in fact, the cathedral alone shows features of a Byzantine basilica, Renaissance remodeling, a Gothic portal and Baroque cupolas. Walking through the historic center is a feast for the eyes, even if you’re not always sure what you’re looking at.
Palermo is a noted culinary destination, too, and the food is another area in which you can see the blend of cultures. Dining on Sicilian specialties like caponata and pasta alla Norma is recommended, as is a stroll through one (or more) of Palermo’s famous markets. Even if you’re not shopping for groceries, you can sometimes find interesting souvenirs to bring home and, at the very least, get an idea of what ingredients are local and fresh.
Worthwhile excursions outside Palermo’s historic center include Monreale, a village outside the city with a beautiful cathedral and gorgeous views overlooking Palermo, and the Capuchin Catacombs, which are located just outside the city center and contain 8,000 mummified bodies of one-time Palermo residents. There are also beaches within walking distance of the old center, although nicer beaches (reachable by train) can be found in either direction along the coast.
Since Palermo is Sicily’s major city, it’s easy to reach. Ferries arrive in Palermo from the Italian mainland and trains connect the city to other points along the Sicilian coast. If you plan to explore Sicily more completely, however, you’d be smart to rent a car as it’s hard to find good public transportation outside of the metropolitan centers.
Latest Reviews
Review by Nancy M, May 2013
Doing what: Palermo City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Palermo slowly seduces you...it is so old and there is so much history! Very interesting to see all the architecture from the vantage point of the top of the bus. Worth paying the 7 dollar supplement to go up to Monreale!
Review by LuAnn Anni M, March 2013
Doing what: Palermo City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
The tour was great! Too bad it was so darn cold out! I got brain freeze on the upper deck and had to go down while my family braved the elements and got all the good pictures! The bus was nice, the tour was informative, Sicily was very cool. The ONLY down side was the gals not making a line or a queue to get on the bus. We didn't get on the first bus, either did the 6 people in front of us. When the next one came, instead of lining up, it was a mob. So many pushing and shoving we didn't think we were going to get on. I know Europeans aren't famous for "lining up" but it was pretty ridiculous. Highly recommend otherwise!
Review by Donald P, February 2013
Doing what: Palermo Shore Excursion: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour
Excellent!
