Sightseeing in Palermo - what to see. Complete travel guide
This is a beautiful and original city, the real heart of Sicily. Norman Palace, the building of which was started by the Arabs, is the symbol of the city. According to the plan this was meant to be a perfectly fortified citadel, and in the result was built a luxurious residence that became the main place of interest of the city. Palermo has managed to keep many historic monuments, and each of them has a great interest to visitors.
In the city you can see numerous old churches and cathedrals, the most famous of which are Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, the Church of San Cataldo, La Mortarana and Il Duomo Cathedral that is famous far beyond the country's borders. An interesting fact – the majority of the religious buildings in Palermo have been created on the site of Islamic mosques. Capuchin Catacombs are one of the darkest and most symbolic places of the city. This is a real underground city, which was built by monks in medieval times. The unique properties of the underground atmosphere made the mummifying of the body really simple, so many years the Catacombs were considered the most prestigious place for burial. Today the underground tunnels keep approximately 8000 sarcophagi.
Discovering the architecture of Palermo from bird's eye view! Teatro Massimo, Palazzo dei Normanni, Zisa, Santa Maria della Catena, San Giovanni degli Eremiti, Stadio Renzo Barbera, all those monuments are defining the image of Palermo … Open
Another vivid monument of the early Middle Ages is the Zisa Palace built more than 800 years ago. This magnificent palace was erected by the order of King William I, who later used it as a hunting residence. Over the years, the palace has been rebuilt many times, so almost completely lost its original look. Today it is characterized by typical classic medieval features. This palace is open to the public and houses the Museum of Islamic Art.
Palermo Cathedral, San Giuseppe dei Teatini, Villa Giulia, Catacombe dei Cappuccini, La Martorana, as well as many others, they all become the world's cultural heritage objects and remain as iconic monuments for Palermo … Open
The city has many interesting museums, and International Puppet Museum deserves special attention. Founded in 1975, today the museum offers an extensive exposition including over 4,000 exhibits. Here you can see beautiful puppets brought from different countries of the world. In the museum, you can also discover a lot of other unusual exhibits dedicated to puppet theater art.
Palermo boasts a variety of restaurants of Italian cuisine, each being able to impress its visitors with inimitable house specialities and drinks. However the city of Palermo is not limited … Open
This guide to iconic landmarks and sights of Palermo is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
City tours, excursions and tickets in Palermo and surroundings
Reference information
Shopping streets in Palermo
♥ Shopping area ' Via Roma' Palermo, 0.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Via Ruggero Settimo' Palermo, 1.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Viale della Libertà' Palermo, 2.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Via Roma' Palermo, 0.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Via Ruggero Settimo' Palermo, 1.1 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Shopping area ' Viale della Libertà' Palermo, 2.6 km from the center. On the map Photo
Survived castles around Palermo
♥ Castle 'Zisa' Palermo, 2.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Cuba' Palermo, 2.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Castello di Caccamo' Caccamo, 32.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Castello di Calatubo' Alcamo, 35.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Castello dei Conti di Modica' Alcamo, 38.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Zisa' Palermo, 2.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Cuba' Palermo, 2.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Castello di Caccamo' Caccamo, 32.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Castello di Calatubo' Alcamo, 35.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Castle 'Castello dei Conti di Modica' Alcamo, 38.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
Art galleries in Palermo and around
♥ Art museum 'Palazzo Abatellis' Palermo, 0.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Museo archeologico regionale Antonio Salinas' Palermo, 0.7 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Palazzo Abatellis' Palermo, 0.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Museo archeologico regionale Antonio Salinas' Palermo, 0.7 km from the center. On the map Photo
Sights around Palermo from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
Santa Maria dello Spasimo
From the series “Famous unfinished buildings ”
Check on the map: Distance from Palermo center - 0.4 km.
The building began to be used for various public events from 1582. It was converted into an infirmary during another plague epidemic in the late 17th century. The building was used as a warehouse for some time. The church building began to gradually collapse in the middle of the 18th century. A shelter for the poor was opened here in 1855. The building remained in this status until 1985. It was declared a historical monument of national significance about 30 years ago. It is used for theatrical and musical performances today. …
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Search touristic sites on the map of Palermo
All about Palermo, Italy - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Palermo, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Palermo in few days.