Things to Do in Palermo, Sicily [Palermo Travel Guide ] - Attractions - Trip Advisor & Booking - Trip Advisor & Booking
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00:00Palermo, the capital and largest city of Sicily, is a captivating destination set on the island's
00:17northwest coastline.
00:19Overlooking the glittering waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, this historic city has long served as
00:24a cultural crossroads due to its strategic location at the heart of the Mediterranean.
00:30With the mainland of Italy lying far off in the distance, Palermo boasts a rich tapestry
00:34of cultures, civilizations, and cuisines that have left an indelible mark on its character.
00:41Today we share the top 10 best things to do in Palermo so you can plan a trip and experience
00:46all the exciting attractions and activities this beautiful city has to offer.
00:52Starting with number 10, Palermo Cathedral.
00:59The most famous and photographed building in the city, Palermo Cathedral is a feast
01:03for the eyes, with fabulous features and astounding architecture wherever you look.
01:09Built atop an earlier Byzantine basilica, the sand-colored cathedral dates to 1185,
01:14with various alterations and additions having been made over the centuries.
01:19While its elegant arches and geometric designs look very Moorish in style, a gorgeous Gothic
01:24portal and rearing Renaissance clock tower can also be found alongside numerous cupolas
01:29and an imposing dome.
01:32At number 9 is the Norman Palace.
01:40Currently home to Sicily's regional parliament, Palermo's Norman Palace is one of the oldest
01:44royal residences in Europe.
01:47Known as the Palazzo dei Normanni in Italian, it was built back in the 9th century for the
01:52Emir of Palermo.
01:54After the Normans conquered Sicily, the Arabian Palace was transformed, with the incredible
01:58Capella Palatina and its beautiful Byzantine mosaics added by King Roger II.
02:05Exhibiting a magnificent mix of artistic and architectural styles, as well as lots of ancient
02:10artifacts, the Norman Palace is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about Palermo
02:15and Sicily's rich history, culture, and heritage.
02:22At number 8, Teatro Massimo.
02:29The largest opera house in Italy, Teatro Massimo dominates its surroundings with its sheer
02:34size, scale, and splendor.
02:37Opened in 1897, it showcases an intriguing mix of ancient and classical Sicilian architectural
02:43styles, with colossal columns lining its neoclassical façade.
02:48While its elegant and opulent exterior certainly looks a treat, inside is just as impressive.
02:53Beautiful balconies and prettily painted ceilings overlook its awe-inspiring auditorium.
02:59To take in all its fine features and rich ornamentation, visitors can either take a
03:03guided tour of Teatro Massimo or watch a ballet, opera, or classical concert in its cavernous
03:09and classy confines.
03:13At number 7, Spiaggia di Mondello.
03:20Lying just 15 minutes to the north of Palermo's center is the idyllic white sand beach of
03:24Mondello, set in a scenic spot between the craggy cliffs of Monte Gallo and Monte Pellegrino.
03:31Once a small fishing village, Mondello became a popular tourist destination in the 19th
03:36century, with lovely Art Nouveau villas springing up along its sandy shores.
03:41This makes its seafront promenade a delight to amble along, with beautiful views to be
03:46enjoyed from its pair of the surrounding mounts and soothing Mediterranean Sea.
03:51Ideal for sunbathing and swimming, Spiaggia di Mondello attracts just as many local families
03:56as it does sightseers and tourists.
04:01At number 6 in our list, Quattro Canti.
04:08Originally known as Piazza Vigliena, Quattro Canti is a beautiful Baroque square in the
04:13center of Palermo, at the intersection where Via Makeda and Corso Vittorio Emanuele meet.
04:19Built in 1608, it is lined by four fetching facades that are semicircular and almost symmetrical
04:25in design.
04:26Each of these sports its own fountain and marble columns, as well as a statue of one
04:31of the four Spanish kings of Sicily and a sculpture of one of the patronesses of Palermo.
04:37Each facade represents one of the four seasons, and over the course of the day, the sun lights
04:41up each in turn.
04:44At number 5, Chiesa del Gesù.
04:51Built between 1564 and 1633, Chiesa del Gesù is one of the most important and impressive
04:58of Palermo's Baroque churches.
05:00While it suffered considerable damage during the Second World War, the church has since
05:05been painstakingly rebuilt and restored to its former glory.
05:09Beneath its lofty dome, you can now find sturdy marble columns, colorful stained glass windows,
05:15and a fantastic facade, as well as attractive cloisters and chapels.
05:20Also known as Casa Professa, it showcases some superb carvings, mosaics, and awe-inspiring
05:26artworks and frescoes by Pietro Novelli.
05:31At number 4, Monte Pellegrino.
05:38Rising dramatically in the distance, Monte Pellegrino lies to the north of the city overlooking
05:43Palermo Harbor.
05:45Described by Goethe as the most beautiful promontory in the world, the hulking mount
05:49towers 606 meters in height and offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
05:56It is very popular with locals and tourists, who come to enjoy its stunning scenery and
06:00peaceful hiking trails.
06:03From its summit, visitors can bask in phenomenal views out over Palermo and the Mediterranean,
06:08with more of Sicily's mountains to be spied nearby.
06:13At number 3 in our list, Santa Caterina.
06:20Set in the heart of Palermo's historic center, Santa Caterina is a beautiful church featuring
06:24a magnificent mix of Baroque, Rococo, and Renaissance architectural styles.
06:30Built to be a hospice in the 14th century, it was later converted into a Dominican convent
06:35before finally being turned into a church.
06:38While its fabulous facade already looks a treat, its charming cloister and lofty dome
06:43are just as impressive, and its rooftop terrace offers sumptuous views over the city.
06:48The star attraction, however, is its breathtaking Baroque interior, coated in fantastic frescoes
06:54and paintings with astounding artworks, altars, and sculptures on show.
07:00At number 2, Mercato di Ballaro.
07:07Colorful and chaotic in equal measure, Mercato di Ballaro's heavily laden stands and stalls
07:12snake their way through the city for several blocks and can be found just to the southeast
07:16of Palazzo dei Normanni.
07:19The lively yet laid-back street market is loads of fun to peruse.
07:23Vendors sell everything from fruit and vegetables to fresh fish, tasty hams, and cheap clothes.
07:30In addition, you can sample some of Sicily's fine local produce at some of the stands,
07:34or stop off for a meal at one of the restaurants lining the market route.
07:40Check out the number one places in our list, San Giovanni degli Eremiti.
07:47Surrounded by a peaceful garden full of cacti, citrus trees, and palm trees, San Giovanni
07:53degli Eremiti is a lovely little church that lies in the center of Palermo.
07:58Built in the 6th century, it exhibits a delightful mix of Arab and Norman architectural styles
08:03and is most noted for its distinctive red domes.
08:07Rebuilt and restored numerous times over the centuries, the small church also has a wonderful
08:12cloister for visitors to wander around, as well as some fine brickwork, frescoes, and
08:17artworks inside.
08:20Now it's time to hear from you what's your favorite things to do in Palermo.
08:24Is there something we missed let us know in the comments section below and don't forget
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