Despite
its elegant state of decay, neglect and
WWII bombing, Palermo remains a fascinating
city in Italy. It was once an Arab emirate
and later the seat of a Norman kingdom.
There are still Arabic style alleyways,
busy fish markets, wonderful churches, excellent
food and vibrant people. Forget the mafia
and the stories you hear about Palermo.
This is the capital of Sicily and home to
the Italian mafia and there are often reports
of muggings and bag snatchings but generally
it is no more dangerous than any other European
city. And there is plenty to see.
CHURCHES AND
TOWERS
Chiesa di Santa Caterina.
A baroque church in Piazza Pretoria. La Martorana
This is Palermo's most famous church. It has an
Arab-Norman bell tower. The interior is decorated with
Byzantine mosaics. Chiesa di San Cataldo
This is a Norman church next to La Martorana. It mixes
Arab and Norman styles. Cattedrale (Cathedral)
A huge Norman cathedral on Via Vittorio Emanuele (crn.
Via Bonello). Capella Palatina
In Piazza Indipendenza is this Byzantine mosaic
decorated chapel. The bedroom inside is possible to
visit. It was King Roger's former bedroom and has 12th
century mosaics.
FOUNTAINS AND GARDENS
Piazza Pretoria
This piazza has a beautiful fountain, Fontana
Pretoria. It was created by Florentine sculptors in
the 16th century.
PIAZZAS
Piazza Pretoria
This piazza has a beautiful fountain sculptored in the
16th century with nude figures.
OTHER SIGHTS
Quattro Canti
The "four corners" of Palermo
are here at the intersection of Via Vittorio
Emanuele and Via Maqueda. Four 17th century
Spanish baroque facades decorated with a
statue line the intersection. Palazzo Reale
This is now the seat of government.
MARKETS
Vucciria - streets between Via Roma, Piazza
San Domenico and Via Vittorio Emanuele.
These open air markets are held daily (not
Sunday).). Here fishmonger stands have piles
of swordfish and sea urchins. Other vibrant
street markets with food and secondhand-junk
stalls are in Ballar (centered on Piazza
Carmine, Piazza Casa Professa, and Piazza
S. Chiara). Cheap clothing and CDs are in
Capo (lining Via Bandiera/Via S. Agostino).
Cheap food stalls are on Via P. Carini/Via
B. Paoli, of Via Volturno).
OTHER
Palazzo del Municpio
The town hall is in Piazza Pretoria Cathedral of Monreale
The hillside cathedral of Monreale costs $2.20 for admission and has beautiful cloisters, 68 000 feet of mosaics and carved capitals. To get there take bus 389 from Piazza Indipendenza.
The ruins of San Giovanni degli Eremiti is planted with jasmine, Indian fig, palm and bougainvillea. It costs $2.25 for entry on Via d. Benedittini. Catacombe del Convento
The Catacombe del Convento is several blocks west from Piazza Indipendenza on Via d.Cappuccini 2. The catacombs are filled with semi-mummified 18th and 19th century bodies in decaying rags. One of the corpses is particularly well preserved and has been nicknamed “Sleeping Beauty”. Entry is $2.70. Cave Shrine
For another unusual experience go to the northern headland of Montel Pellegrino to the cave shrine of child-saint Santa Rosalia. The holy remains are believed to have miraculously stopped plagues. Take bus 812 from the Politeama/Piazza L. Sturzo.
