Guide of Palermo

Palermo was the Capital of Italian culture in 2018 and is a city of contradictions, which gives the city its character. There are beautiful squares, majestic buildings and markets full of colours, smells and voices.

History

The city was built around its port, which in Roman times was an important port called Panormus which was later remodelled by the Arabs and called Balharm. Before the Romans however, the Phoenicians settled in here giving the city the name Fiore. Under Arab rule the city flourished in the IX century AD, it became one of the most important Islamic cities in the West. In 1072 the city was amicably passed to the Normans, which gave rise to the unmistakable Arab-Norman style that is still found in the buildings and streets of the major Sicilian cities.  In 1200 the whole of Sicily was put in the hands of Frederick II of Swabia, which made the city prosper. In 1700 the Bourbons took over and filled the city with Baroque buildings. But from the 1960s Palermo entered a period of slow degradation but today Palermo has built a new reputation as a travel destination full of culture.  

Places to visit 

There are many things to explore in Palermo, there are great markets including the Ballarò market which is a riot of colours, flavours and sounds. Do not miss the Teatro Massimo, which is the oldest opera house in Italy and dates back to the late 1800s. It is beautiful inside with decorations lacquered in gold and the outside of the theatre looks like a neoclassical Greek temple. The Politeama Theater dates back to the 1800s and has a characteristic, horseshoe-shaped hall, from the outside its shape is similar to the Pantheon. One of the most evocative places in Palermo is the Cathedral, which is an extraordinary structure. Palazzo dei Normanni and Cappella Palatina is a palace full of frescoes and mosaics, and do not miss Piazza Pretoria and Piazza Bellini.  

Beaches 

The most famous is the beach is Mondello, a long stretch of soft white sand and a meeting place for the inhabitants of Palermo even in the evening. Five kilometres from the centre of Palermo there is also Arenella beach, at the foot of Mount Pellegrino. Do not miss the Isolotto delle Femmine just off the coast, it is a natural reserve where you can swim in transparent waters and enjoy the nature, one side of the island also has shallow waters that are ideal for children. Punta Raisi is a rocky beach with transparent water, not far from the airport.