Palermo travel guide, Sicily Italy
Palermo visitors guide
Palermo is the regional capital of Sicily and is a busy port on the north west of the island. For most of the 20th century, Palermo was a hotbed of reactionary forces and organised crime, but the new century has seen Palermo begin to develop its true potential as a charming and fascinating tourist destination steeped in fine architecture including majestic churches and museums which are complemented by markets and restaurants in delightful palazzos.
Probably the finest building in Palermo and will feature in any tourist guide of Palermo is the Norman Cattedrale which lies by the Palazzo Reale. For centuries this fantastic building was occupied as a royal palace and is now the seat of Palermo’s local government. Some of the building is open to visitors including a truly delightful chapel called Cappella Palatina where you will find some stunning mosaics.
Another truly remarkable building is the La Martorana, which is a Norman church that has an incredibly impressive Baroque façade. Nearby, is the Teatro Massimo where the local tradition is for plays to be acted by people 
performing with marionettes. The plays are often very dramatic and it is quite easy to get caught up with the characters and stories even though the puppets are made of wood. The Museo delle Marionette is definitely worth a visit as, apart from puppets, it is possible to learn the history of the marionettes and how they are operated.
Local museums in Palermo include the Museo Archeologico Regionale which, as the title of the museum explains, holds archaeological finds from excavation sites in Sicily. If you fancy something with an edge, then a visit to the catacombs which are lined with the dead will surely leave a lasting impression.
Palermo is an undiscovered gem and now that Italy is thriving, despite the global economic slow down, Sicily in general and Palermo in particular are both proving to be popular tourist destinations.
Events: Epiphany in Piana degli Albanesi near Palermo is a date fot the calendar.
back to Areas of Sicily.
Other Sicily travel ideas: There are some very good wellness and spa resorts in Sicily and this combined with the Sicilian food and wine and local tours is a great option.
Learn about Palermo airport in Sicily, Italy.
