What to see

Palermo Cathedral

Among the things to see in Palermo there is undoubtedly the Cathedral, an immense religious building consecrated to the Virgin of the Assumption, which is a summary of the thousand-year history of the city. It rises in fact on a site previously occupied by an early Christian basilica, then became a mosque during the long Arab domination and back again church with the Normans.

There are therefore different architectural styles due to the many alterations and restorations carried out over the centuries: the main facade between two towers consists of a large fifteenth- century porch reminiscent of Catalan architecture in flowered Gothic, the dome is late Baroque while the oldest part is represented by the main apse with Arab-Norman decorations. The interior, however, rebuilt to a design by Ferdinando Fuga – architect at the court of Charles of Bourbon in the second half of the 1700s – is in neoclassical style and houses several valuable works. Here are the royal tombs, including the sarcophagus of Frederick II and the Chapel of Santa Rosalia which preserves the remains of the Patron Saint of Palermo.

In the Treasury Rooms you can admire the gold tiara of Queen Constance of Aragon, along with other precious objects found in the royal tombs. Finally, you can climb on the roofs that offer an exciting path over the structure and from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the square and the surrounding area.

Piazza Pretoria

It is located in the historic center of Palermo and is one of the most scenic squares of the city: Piazza Pretoria with its monumental fountain,designed in the sixteenth century by Francesco Camilliani and initially intended for a private garden of a Florentine palace; in the end it was brought to Palermo where, to make room for it, some houses were demolished at a time when there was a lot of poverty, epidemics and famine. It seems therefore that the palermitans shouted “vergogna” (shame) to all the members of the Senate who paid an unprecedented amount to buy it. Hence its name of “Piazza della Vergogna”, but it could also refer to the nakedness of the statues that adorned it and that went against the social morality of the time.

The fountain in fact presents decorative statues of gods and mythological figures: starting from the outside we find the statues representing allegories of the rivers that affect Palermo: Oreto, Papireto, Maredolce and Gabriele; in the second and third order, Instead, there are statues of Greek and Roman deities and legendary characters. Entirely made of fine Carrara and Billiemi marble, the alternation of floors and staircases creates a complex of great architectural beauty. To further embellish the fountain are the buildings that surround it: Palazzo Pretorio, the Church of Santa Caterina, Palazzo Bonocore and Palazzo Bordonaro.

Mondello

One of the most famous seaside resorts, appreciated by tourists and locals, is Mondello: a long tree-lined avenue – ranging from Piazza Valdesi to the seaside village – a crystal clear sea and a white sandy beach, but also Liberty style villas, bars and restaurants. Walking along the seafront, in the middle of the gulf, you will find the “Antico Stabilimento Balneare di Mondello”, considered one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau works in Europe. Depending on your needs you can spend the day relaxing in one of the private beaches or in the public beach but also doing sports activities such as sailing, windsurfing or kite surfing.

Before returning you cannot miss lunch with the classic “panino con le panelle” (a sandwich with chickpea fritters), considered the prince of Palermo’s street food, or in one of the many seafood restaurants, each of which offers dishes for every taste and every pocket. The advice is to enjoy it even at dusk, sitting by the sea with the backdrop of the majestic Monte Pellegrino, and stay in the evening, when happy hour and music transform this charming bay into a place of nightlife where you can have fun and enjoy drinks in the moonlight.