To visit Palermo is to encounter the city’s contrasts at every corner. Grand palaces stand alongside historic ruins, and sunny squares lead to a maze of narrow, shaded streets.
With a rich, complex history dating back to antiquity, Palermo was founded around the 8th century BC and has seen many occupiers, including Arab, Norman, Byzantine, French, and Spanish rulers. Come and explore the countless historical sites in Palermo—a city with a unique character.
What to Do in Palermo: Discover Sicily’s Capital and One of Europe’s Oldest Cities
1. The Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel
The Norman Palace is emblematic of Palermo’s unique cultural blend. Once a Punic and Roman fortress, then a residence for Muslim emirs and Norman kings, today it serves as the region’s parliament. Its highlight is the Palatine Chapel, a stunning space covered in medieval mosaics and gilded decorations.
2. Palermo Cathedral
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to the 12th century, blends Romanesque architecture with Arab influences. Built on the site of a former mosque (and before that, a Roman temple), the cathedral features ornate exterior facades contrasting with a more austere Baroque interior.
3. Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele: Italy’s Largest Theater
Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house and the third-largest in Europe, can seat over 1,600 guests and accommodate 700 performers on stage. Restored and reopened in 1997, it’s an impressive landmark worth a visit.
4. The Palaces of Palermo
Palermo’s streets are lined with grand palaces, often accessible to the public. Along Via Maqueda, find Palazzo Grassellini, Comitini, and Mazzarino, while cinema lovers can visit Palazzo Gangi, famous for its ballroom scene in The Leopard. Also, don’t miss the 12th-century Zisa Pleasure Palace, showcasing Arabic architecture commissioned by Norman King William I.
5. Palermo’s Most Beautiful Squares
Palermo’s squares offer a glimpse into the city’s history and culture. Quattro Canti, a baroque crossroads, marks the city center. Nearby, Piazza Bellini features the stunning Church of the Martorana, while Piazza Pretoria boasts a grand 16th-century fountain.
6. The Capuchin Catacombs
One of Palermo’s most unusual yet popular sites, the Capuchin Catacombs house 8,000 mummified corpses in an underground chamber, preserved in clothing as a testament to a unique cultural practice.
7. Palermo’s Street Food and Markets
Experience the flavors of Sicily at Palermo’s markets, such as Ballaro and Vucciria. Sample local delicacies like Pane con la Milza, pasta with sea urchins, and panelle, a fried chickpea treat, paired with fresh spremuta d’arancia (orange juice).
8. A Boat Trip
A boat trip is a fantastic way to experience Sicily’s coastal beauty, with one-day or two-day cruises offering stops in places like the Aeolian Islands and stunning views of Vulcano.
9. More Sights in Palermo
- Vucciria Market
- Albergheria District
- Antonio Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum
- Palermo Botanical Garden
10. Things to Do Around Palermo
Sicily offers many remarkable sites just outside of Palermo, including Monreale Cathedral, Mondello Beach, and the town of Cefalù. Venture further to explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, reachable by a two-hour train ride.
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