Palermo

The former royal palace of King Roger II in the 1100s, Palazzo dei Normanni is one of the most famous sights in Palermo. Dating back to the 9th century, the palace owes its current appearance to the embellishments realised by the Normans: covered in dazzling Byzantine mosaics, the Arab-Norman architecture is a symbol of the political and cultural union operated by the Normans. Be sure to check out the stunning Palatine Chapel.

Located inside Normans Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni), the royal chapel of the Norman kings of Sicily, Cappella Palatina is the finest example of Arab-Norman art in the city. Every inch is a jubilation of craftsmanship, from the golden mosaics covering the walls to the marble floors and carved wooden ceilings.

The grandiose Piazza Pretoria captivates with its fountain, spreading proudly in front of Palazzo Pretorio (City Hall) as one of the major symbols of Palermo. The Pretoria Fountain was sculpted by Francesco Camilliani in 1574 and initially placed in Florence for a few years. It was then bought by the municipality and transported to Palermo. The fountain is a true masterpiece and is considered one of the most beautiful fountains in Italy. The nude figures adorning the fountain have got the most prudish population in the city to nickname the square "Piazza della Vergogna", (Square of Shame).

One of the major examples of Sicily's unique encounter of architectonic styles, the Palermo Cathedral is the result of centuries of additions, redecoration, and restorations. It was built in 1185 on the site of a former Byzantine church, which was used as a mosque during the 9th century and it encompasses Medieval, Gothic, Arabic, and Neoclassical styles. Climb up to the roof and enjoy a great view of the city.

The Chiesa di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in Palermo attracts visitors from all corners of the globe with its remarkable Sicilian Baroque architecture and ornate decor: the walls are full of ornamental paintings and there are vibrant frescoes, intricately carved statues, and stunning colourful marble interiors. Don't miss out on the magnificent majolica cloister and the view from the rooftop terrace. The bakery located inside the complex sells sweet treats prepared with century-old recipes from Sicily's convents.

Housed in a Renaissance monastery, the Regional Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas boasts a rich collection of Roman and Ancient Greek artefacts including many items spanning most of Palermo’s history. The highlights of the exhibition are the decorative friezes from the temples at Selinunte.

The Mercato di Ballarò is the oldest and largest market in Palermo where you can enjoy some exciting flavours and buy fresh produce. Resembling a colourful and buzzing souk, walking down the lanes of this busy street market will immediately show you how Sicily markets developed during the Arab occupation. Part of the experience is the jingles sung by the vendors to attract customers while offering samples to the passers-by.

Allegedly the best art gallery in Palermo, the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia Palazzo Abatellis exhibits artworks of Sicilian artists from the Middle Ages, artefacts from the Arab period, and paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Take your time to admire the stunning Palazzo Abatellis, built in the 15th century in the Gothic-Catalan style.

Founded in 1781, the Orto Botanico di Palermo is considered to be a prestigious open-air botanical museum that has enabled in-depth studies on fascinating plants for about 200 years. Walk down the shaded pathways lined with subtropical plants, fig trees, Mediterranean herb gardens, local cacti, and hibiscus but don't forget to also check out the beautiful historical buildings where this restful paradise is set in.

Zisa Palace is a 12th century castle built for King William I of Sicily. Its name derives from the Arabic word "al-Aziz", which means splendid. The original Norman building underwent some changes during the years, especially with the decorations added during the Baroque period. The Islamic inspiration for the architecture is clearly visible in the decorations of the vestibule, where Arabic vaults and columns are interposed by Baroque frescoes and marble decorations. Today, the castle houses a museum of Islamic art.

Housed in the Archbishop's Palace, the Museo Diocesano di Palermo boasts an impressive collection of sculptures from the 15th to 18th centuries. It also displays interesting artworks, such as religious silverware and textiles, frescoes and Italian and Flemish paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries.