Holiday in Palermo

What makes Palermo special as a destination?

Palermo is a kaleidoscope of cultures: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Hohenstaufen, and Spaniards have left their marks, giving the Sicilian capital a unique cultural complexity found nowhere else in the world. The Arab-Norman architecture is so significant that the Cathedral, Palazzo dei Normanni, and Cappella Palatina are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Cappella Palatina in the Norman Palace combines Byzantine gold mosaics, Islamic muqarnas ceilings, and Norman architecture — a space of overwhelming beauty. The Catacombe dei Cappuccini, with 8,000 mummified bodies, is not for the faint of heart, but offers a unique experience. The cathedral with the tomb of Emperor Frederick II showcases the power of the Hohenstaufen. Palermo's street markets are legendary: In Ballarò, Vucciria, and Il Capo, swordfish, artichokes, blood oranges, and spices are stacked high — accompanied by the calls of vendors and the aroma of street food. Arancine (fried rice balls), panelle (chickpea fritters), stigghiola (grilled intestines), and pane con la milza (spleen sandwich) are part of the street culture. The nearby beach of Mondello with its turquoise water, the Art Nouveau villas, and Monte Pellegrino complete the picture of a city that is raw and honest, unlike polished Northern Italy — and that is exactly why it fascinates.