Palermo is situated in Sicily; the largest island in the Mediterranean and is its capital and administrative centre. The long history of the city assures that there is a lot to see, although the city as a whole, as well as some of the sights, is still in need of repair after WWII. The mix of Arabic and Viking influences, seen through the buildings dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, is one of the unexpected surprises the city has to offer.

See:

• Quattro Canti (Four Corners) – The busy intersection of Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda marks the Quattro Canti (Four Corners), the centre of the oldest part of the town.
• Teatro Massimo (Greatest Theatre) – Opened in 1837 and closed for 23 years due to neglect, this theatre has re-opened and is reclaiming its reputation as one of the great opera houses in Italy.
• Museo Archeologico Regionale (Regional Archaeological Museum) – This museum holds a comprehensive collection of archaeological finds from the Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Etruscan cultures.
• Around Palermo – Northwest of the city is the popular beach of Mondello. Between Palermo and Mondello is Monte Pellegrino where Santa Rosalia, Palermo’s patron saint, lived.

Experience:

• Churches – Visit one of the many churches around Palermo including the Cathedral of Palermo, once a mosque but in 1185 it turned into a church, or the Chiesa del Gesù (Christ of Jesus) built in the centre of the city from 1564.
• Palaces – Experience one of the most beautiful Italian palaces, Palazzo dei Normanni, a notable example of Norman architecture housing the famous Cappella Palatani. Others to visit include La Cuba (the cube), a 12th century summer palace surrounded by royal gardens and the Castle of Zisa which is located in the western part of Palermo.
• Festivals – Sicily is famous for its festivals and Palermo has its fair share. Festivals are held in February (Carnevale), April (Easter Holy Week), July (U Fistinu celebrating Santa Rosalia and Palermo di Scena with music, theatre, cinema and ballet programs) and December (Festival di Morgana featuring puppeteers from all over the world and Opera Season at Teatro Massimo).