6 Unmissable Attractions
in Palermo

The capital city of Sicily, Palermo, is an intriguing place to explore. It is full of history and interesting buildings, and has a rich culinary culture. Here's what to see on your visit to Palermo.

Do a Street Food Tour

If you do a street food tour in Palermo you will also learn about the history of the city, as centuries of historical events have woven themselves into the food. The Capo Market is one of the best, where you can wander past stalls laden with fresh food. Try arancini, or the delicious panelle made from fried chick peas. The sfincione pizza style snack is delicious too. But are you brave enough to taste a spleen sandwich? It's a specialty of the city and people travel for miles to eat this delicacy.

Admire the Architecture

In the centre of Palermo the baroque architecture around Quatro Canti is magnificent. Dating from the 17th century, the central square depicts the four seasons and is ornate and opulent. Close by you'll find the beautiful Piazza Pretoria and its fabulous fountain. The piazza is a popular meeting place with cafes and restaurants, so is ideal for people watching. Don't forget to visit the cathedral in Palermo, which has Norman architecture, has served as a mosque, and has baroque features.

Visit the Theatre

Teatro Massimo is Italy's largest opera house and is a major landmark in Palermo. Take a tour of this magnificent building, where you can sit in the opulent boxes and hear about the history of the theatre. If you are lucky enough to get a ticket, attend a performance to hear Italian opera performed.

Head to Monreale

South West of Palermo, the Norman cathedral building at Monreale is remarkably well preserved and worth the journey. Walk around the historic cathedral and Benedictine cloister, and don't forget to look at the mosaics at Monreale, which tell the story of the Old and New Testaments.

Go Underground

The Catacomb di Cappuccini is where Capuchin monks preserved their dead. Back in the 16th century they used church catacombs for this process, and it is possible for visitors to head to Piazza Cappuccini to see over 8000 preserved bodies in a macabre setting. They date from the 16th to the early 20th century and are a feature of this intriguing city.

See a Puppet Show

Marionettes or puppets are big in Palermo. The Opera Di Pupi is a traditional puppet show which features knights, princesses and dragons. It's a charming way to spend time in Sicily, and it is very popular. The theatre also has a museum where there are beautiful displays of the puppetry and how it relates to Sicilian culture.

Palermo is a vibrant city with something for everyone to experience. From fabulous food to ornate architecture and people watching. This is a city with a lot to entertain visitors. How will you spend your time in Palermo?