Palermo is a kaleidoscope of cultures, architectural styles, flavors, lights and scents. Sicilian capital, the city blends its Arab, Norman and Spanish heritage into a fascinating whole that surprises at every turn. Visiting Palermo is not just about seeing monuments, but living an experience: breathing in the life of the markets, hearing voices, tasting street food and discovering an all-Italian gem.
The Cathedral of Palermo is the city’s main Catholic place of worship
We at La Mantia Luxury Rooms have selected the 5 must-see places of interest during your visit,
let’s explore them together!
1: Cape Market
The Mercato del Capo is one of Palermo’s most vibrant and authentic historic markets. Located in the Quartier “Il Capo”, it is one of the popular souls of the city. About one kilometer away from our rooms, it operates every morning and offers a wide range of typical local food products.
The head market at the opening
In addition, it is a great place to enjoy real Palermitan street food.If you are a lover of savory, you can find such delicacies as Bread and Panelle, Pani câ Meusa (bread with spleen), Sfincioni and Babbaluci (similar to snails). On the other hand, if you have a sweet tooth, you can stock up on Cannoli, Cassate and the lesser-known (but just as good) Iris.
Everybody knows about cannoli, so you should definitely try Irises
2: Cathedral of Palermo
The Cathedral, originally built in the Norman era, is dedicated to the St. Virgin Mary of the Assumption.
Aesthetically, it perfectly reflects the “unique” style of Palermo, masterfully combining all the different stylistic currents already mentioned.
The Cathedral is easily accessible on foot from our accommodations, being only 15 minutes’ walk away.
The interior of the Cathedral
In the interior, in addition to the majestic nave, the Crypt, which preserves ancient sarcophagi and archaeological artifacts, and the Cathedral Treasury, a collection of sacred objects, vestments, relics, and jewelry, including the stunning Crown of Constance of Aragon, a masterpiece of medieval goldsmith art, await you.
The Cathedral Crypt
The exterior of the Cathedral
The climb up the roofs of the Cathedral, will, in all likelihood, be the most exciting experience of your visit. From the top you will be able to admire Palermo, catching a glimpse of a breathtaking panorama, especially, on sunny days.
The view of the main dome – Roof
3: The Italic Forum
Visiting Palermo doesn’t just mean walking and toil. There is one place where you can really take a breath,slow your pace and let your gaze get lost in the horizon. That place is the Foro Italico, located along the southeastern shoreline of the city.
Known until the Unification of Italy as the Bourbon Forum, today the Foro Italico is a large pedestrian and tree-lined area that runs parallel to the sea, from the Cala area to Villa Giulia. It is the perfect place for a leisurely walk, a morning jog, a break in the sun, or simply to contemplate the sea and the outline of the old town behind, but it is much more than a simple walk. It is an open space, green, silent (at times), overlooking the sea and giving you one of the most expansive and relaxing views in all of Palermo.
The Foro Italico promenade
In comparison to our accommodations, it isout of doors, but via a taxi, or the bus, you canconveniently reach it in less than half an hour.
Access to the Forum is completely free and open at all hours of the day, although the best time to go there is probably late afternoon, when the light is warmer and the atmosphere becomes more relaxed.
4: Teatro Massimo
Constructed in the second half of the 19th century, the Teatro Massimo is the largest opera house in Italy and the third largest in Europe.
The main entrance of the Teatro Massimo
Noted also for its perfect acoustics and architectural beauty, the Theater is open daily from9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.. Reachable within 10 minutes walk from our rooms, we strongly recommend that you take advantage of events or theatrical festivals and indulge yourself, consistent with your time, in viewing an opera. Trust us, you will not regret it at all!
5: Politeama Theater
Visit Palermo and strolling along Piazza Ruggero Settimo, one of the city’s most central and lively squares, it is impossible not to be struck by the scenic charm of the Teatro Politeama Garibaldi.
But it is not only the monumental architecture that captivates you: it is the atmosphere that surrounds it.
The main entrance of the Politeama Theater
Distant 1.3 km from the housing, today the Politeama hosts numerous cultural events, and is the headquarters of the Sicilian Symphony Orchestra, one of the most important musical institutions in southern Italy. If you’re lucky, you might catch aclassical music concert, a jazz rassertionor even a modern ballet. Always check the calendar on the official website before your visit: there are often free or affordable events.
To conclude…
Palermo is not visited, it is lived: let yourself be guided by its colors, its scents and its wonders. Every corner tells a story — and the next one could be yours.