Palermo City Breaks

A guide to Palermo

The city of Palermo is located in the north-west corner of Sicily, and is known for its rich history, culture, architecture and gastronomy. Founded over 3,000 years ago, it still has traces of influences from the Phoenicians, Ancient Greeks, Byzantines and Romans. As the capital of Sicily, it is also the island's largest city and sits in a wide bay beneath the commanding Monte Pellegrino. Although a fast-paced vibrant city, with a host of entertainment and amenities, there's also a wealth of amazing architecture and sightseeing opportunities. The crossroads of Quattro Canti mark the true heart of the city and a stroll from here will encounter many wonderful historic sites, including the Norman built Palazzo dei Normanni and the uniquely ornate Baroque-style Cathedral.

A rich mix of architectural style

Other must-see sightseeing includes the Capucin Catacombs, which house over 8,000 mummified bodies dating back to the 16th century, and offering an eerily unique experience for all. Palermo has some of the oldest and most spectacular churches and chapels in Italy, where religion is as important as ever for the local community. The San Giovanni degli Eremiti is an amazing blend of Arabic and Gothic styles, and boasts five gleaming ochre domes that can be seen across the city. There are also many intimate and intriguing museums, which highlight a heritage of local customs and folklore and medieval art, and even a journey underground through the city sewer system.

The ideal destination for lovers of fine food

To sustain you through a day of frenetic sightseeing, try some fine Sicilian cuisine. There are many family-run trattoria offering the freshest pizza and pasta in Italy, and the seafood is always superb. Shopping in Palermo is more relaxed than most other major Italian cities; however there is a good range of handicraft shops and department stores,and the Vucciria open-air fresh food market is a vibrant and exciting place to visit.