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Palermo is the capital city of Sicily, an autonomous region in Italy. Famous for its fine, natural harbour, it is reportedly the most conquered city in the whole world. With that, one could bet that the city is a melting pot of history and culture too.

Palermo can be reached through a train ride via the train ferry speeding across Messina starits, to and from the neighbouring cities of Roma and Napoli. There are also passenger sea vessels that are traveling regularly via the Italian cities of Sardinia, Livorna, Genoa and Naples. By air, the international airport in Palermo holds regular flights to and from the major cities of Italy and Europe. Taxis, buses and trains are available in or near the airport too.

Notable for its rich architectural heritage, Palermo boasts of its many Romanesque buildings, a type of architectural structure developed by Normans during the 11th and 12th centuries. For religious devotees, the Cathedral of Palermo, a former mosque turned into church is a site to behold. There is also the Sicilian Baroque masterpiece called Santa Teresa alla Kalsa. There’s also Santa Maria dello Spasimo, a church turned hospital, where famous painter Raphael made his obra, Sicilia’s Spasimo. On the old market district of Palermo, now stands the St. Francis of Assisi parish, which, on the other hand, mirrors Renaissance architecture. The Gesu Church, on the other hand, built between the 15th and 16th century, is one of Palermo’s architectural highlights. The completion of this church marked the birth of the Sicilian Baroque period, which gave Sicily a genuine architectural identity. It is most notable for its generous use of polychrome marble on walls and floors. Needless to say, historical phases of the city are most likely represented by the structures that were built during those times.

It is expected that when tourists head off to the Italian countrysides, they expect to see palaces and art museums. Well, Palermo does not frustrate visitors on that since the city has Palazzo dei Normanni, another example of Norman Architecture, and was reportedly built over an Arabian fortress. Another palace of Renaissance influence is the Palazzo Abatellis, which houses the Regional Gallery. The Museo Archeologico Regionale, one of the major museums in Italy, can be found in Palermo too. The said museum showcases remains of various civilizations.

Every wanderer’s trip to memory lane will all the more be made magnificent by Palermo theaters. Teatro Massimo, built in 1800s have been successfully restored in 1997 and is now graced by regular Italian performances. Teatro Politeama, another masterpiece from the 1800s, presently accommodates Palermo’s Gallery of Modern Art.

Another worth visiting landmark is the very interesting Catacombe dei Cappucini at the heart of Piazza Cappuccini. It contains over eight thousand mummified remains of Palermo natives and residents from Palermo’s surrounding villages. Some catacombs already looks like a clothed skeletons, but others are well-preserved and very lifelike. Though quite morbid, the Catacombe dei Cappucini is one of the most visited attractions in Palermo.

Other interesting sights are the Quattro Canti, a small place at the intersection of the main roads, dividing Palermo into quarters. The Byzantine inspired La Martorana Church is situated near this symbolic crossroads. Piazza Pretoria, another landmark situated near Quattro Canti, is where Fontana Pretoria, a grand fountain, can be found.

From Quattro Canti, one can indulge in great Sicilian food at Il Proverbio or in Al Chiosetto, where sumptuous salads and panin are served. If one wish to experience the great Sicilian dining experience, even when they go back to their countries, they can always shop for fresh Sicilian marmalade, sauces and wines at Isola Saporita, just across the Palermo Cathedral.

True to its commitment to make tourists and visitors feel at home, there are a handful of sleepover inns and hotels in Palermo, depending in one’s budget. For weekend getaways and mid-ranged budgets, Hotel Italy is most frequented. It is just a hundred meters away from the train station. also, at the heart of Palermo business district, lies the Hotel Gallery House, which offers elegant and comfortable rooms at affordable prices. But if one is up for a real luxurious splurge or one’s trip to Palermo is for one grand honeymooning, the Hotel Residenza D’Aragona tops in grandeur and elegance. It is also near the famous Politeama and Massimo theaters.

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