Palermo, the cradle of ancient civilizations and kingdoms still shows its artistic and traditional heritage. It is symbolic of Sicilian history and culture and is Sicily’s capital.

First Greek and Roman, then an Arab capital, later conquered by the Normans and the Swabians, the town reflects the area’s ancient history. In its views of rare beauty, the streets and squares, arabesque and Norman styles stand shoulder to shoulder with neoclassical, Baroque and Art Nouveau monuments, palaces and theatres. The uniqueness of the “exotic” gardens and the Vucciria and Ballarò – its bustling local markets.

Many monuments, churches and palaces, have been recognised as Italian national monuments. In 2015 the “Arab-Norman Palermo and the Monreale and Cefalu cathedrals” area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is made up of several historic urban monuments including the impressive Norman Palace with its Palatine Chapel rich in Byzantine mosaics. There is also the majestic Cathedral, and churches which are art masterpieces like the Martorana and San Giovanni degli Eremiti (St. John of the Hermits), along with the dome of the nearby towns of Monreale and Cefalu.

The most modern part of the city is the nineteenth century and Liberty area. Past the neoclassical Teatro Massimo, a Temple of the Opera, among the streets of the Politeama district and along the elegant Viale della Libertà, the “Belle Epoque” shines in the Sicilian Liberty Capital.

Palermo has flavours to discover and charming surroundings. Starting from Mondello, the beach of Palermo, known for its crystal-clear sea. There are the nearby provincial coastal towns of Sferracavallo and Isola delle Femmine, small fishing villages, with wide beaches, fascinating seabed and a little island 300 metres from the coast.

The city’s position hosts one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean. With its many connections, it is a strategic place to discover Sicily. Its coasts and the enchanting islands provide an immersion in a culture where time stops and offers wonders.

How to move around town