Sicily's capital is a melting pot of historical influences. From ancient Greek to Arabic, Norman, and Spanish, many great cultures have left their mark on the city's food, art, and architecture. The result? A place that's endlessly interesting and a joy to explore.
In fact, there's more to see in Palermo than most people can manage in a weekend. To help visitors manage their time, here's our pick of five things to see during a short break in the city.
Palermo's most important building is a Norman masterpiece. Built over a mosque in 1184 (check out the koranic verses inscribed on some columns), it's full of artistic treasures and is an absolute must-see.
Staying with churches, this exquisite construction is older still, and is famous for its elaborate mosaics. Be sure to visit in the morning, when rays of sunshine illuminate the gold and blue colours, exposing biblical scenes in all their glory. It's truly awesome.
The seat of government in Sicily for centuries, this Arab-built palace is still the local parliament. The royal apartments and the Palatine Chapel are gorgeously decorated with mosaic images and have to be seen to be believed.
One of Europe's largest theatres, this auditorium played a starring role in the Godfather Part III. Visiting is definitely recommended, but it's even better to book tickets in the evening for an operatic performance, when the grandeur of the setting makes the experience even more memorable.
In between sights, make a bee-line for this buzzing street market, which is Palermo's premier grocery shopping location. Self-catering visitors can snap up fresh produce, while local cheeses, sandwiches, and cured meats are ideal for picnics.
You can find a brilliant holiday rental within the average price range of £64 - £83, with great discounts of as much as 59% available!
To find accommodation and complete the planning for City Breaks in Palermo, browse our top-notch selection of available Bed & Breakfast rentals and Apartment rentals.
