Things to do in Palermo Italy – what to see attractions and activities

Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo dei Normanni

Palace of the Normans is heart and pinnacle of the Palermo city. The palace is a gigantic building built in the 11th century. The tourists who allowed in are restricted to some small sections. Palantine Chapel makes the Palace of Normans famous. The chapel was built by Roger II and represents the architectural skills of Normans, Byzantine, and Arabs. Though small, the chapel stands out as exceedingly beautiful.

Churches and places of worship

Cattedrale di Palermo

In an area previously occupied by an Arab mosque in 1185 it was erected the magnificent complex of the Cathedral Palermo. With the side door in the Catalan Gothic style, the façade and the apse in fifteenth-century Arab-Norman style.

Cemeteries

Le Catacombe dei Cappuccini

The Capuchin Catacombs are located under the Capuchin Convent, annexed to the Church of Santa Maria della Pace. These are built on structures already existing at the time. The galleries were excavated at the end of the 16th century and formed a large cemetery of rectangular shape.

Museums

Museo Archeologico Regionale "A. Salinas"

Created as a national museum in 1866 after the seizure of religious orders, it houses Egyptians, Phoenician, Greek and Roman findings. Of particular interest is the structure of patterns that reflect the rich art of the '500 and '600 in Palermo.

Churches and places of worship

Santuario di Santa Rosalia

The Sanctuary was born in the cave where on 15 July 1624 the bones of Santa Rosalia were found, who had moved there to escape the veneration of the pilgrims. The Sanctuary has a façade built in 1600 and an 'open' dome leading to the gate that introduces to the cave

Churches and places of worship

Cappella Palatina

The Palatine Chapel, in the city of Palermo, was built at the will of King Roger II. His consecration took place in 1140, with the aim of being the church of the royal family. Its dome is formed by Byzantine mosaics representing Christ. It is a basilica dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul.

Parks and nature reserves

L'orto Botanico

The Botanical Garden of the University of Palermo is one of the most important Italian academic institutions. Considered a huge open-air museum, it boasts an activity of over two hundred years that has also allowed the study and diffusion, in Sicily, Europe and throughout the Mediterranean basin, of countless plant species.

Theaters

Teatro Massimo

the monumental theatre is in neoclassical style and it was opened in the late 1800. It has a capacity of 1400 seats and here are held operas, ballets and concerts. There is a program of guided tours behind the scenes, on stage and in the royal lounge.

Museums

Casa Museo Stanze al Genio

Inaugurated in December 2008, the “Casa Museo Stanze al Genio”, which takes its name from the homonymous Cultural Association, collects one of the largest collections in Europe of ancient Neapolitan and Sicilian majolica tiles with more than 2300 specimens on display.

Museums

Palazzo Ziino

The building opened in 1895 was acquired in 1985 by the city and following a radical restructuring, it now houses a collection of plaster casts of artists from Palermo's GAM.On the second floor temporary exhibitions are held.

Museums

Palazzo Mirto

It belonged to the family Filangeri Palace; Palazzo Mirto witnesses history and Sicilian society. In fact, all the objects on display belonged to the inhabitants of the palace. The collection includes, among other things, weapons, ceramics, glasses, paintings.

Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzina Cinese

Created in 1799, it has arched arcades on the ground floor and two side towers with spiral staircases. The terrace has wooden beams carved at the top dominate the building, a curious pagoda-shaped roof with decorated ceiling.

Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Sclafani

Built in 1330 by Matteo Sclafani it has a beautiful facade with high arches and fine lancet windows. The famous fresco of the Triumph of Death painted in the fifteenth in the courtyard.

Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Domenico

Second-biggest church in Palermo after the Cathedral. A typical baroque-style church of the middle of the nineteenth century; it became the pantheon of illustrious Sicilians who began to be buried in this sacred place, so fascinating.

Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Catena

In the place where initially there was a votive chapel, it was erected in 1520 the present church, a perfect match between the Catalan Gothic late Renaissance style. Inside two wonderful works by unknown authors.

Churches and places of worship

Chiesa della Magione

One of the oldest churches in Palermo it was founded in 1191. Altered over the centuries, it is now a fine example of Arab Norman art. The name comes from when in 1197 it was awarded to the Order of Teutonic Knights.

Churches and places of worship

San Giovanni degli Eremiti

Famous throughout the world thanks to its five red domes. Church of 'charming oriental style, it would suit even to Baghdad or Damascus. Wonderful is also the cloister with its lush garden.

Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello della Zisa

The Zisa Castle is very well preserved. In its rooms there are some significant artifacts that belong to Islamic art. It is also possible to visit a beautiful garden, completely restored, with its characteristic bathtub and its spells. The Castle gives the opportunity to be visited by everyone thanks to a continued time.

Castles, palaces and mansions

Villa Napoli

Villa Napoli, located in Palermo, is a building that dates back to the seventeenth century. Initially it arose as a Norman tower and today it incorporates within itself the remains of Soprana Cuba. Over the years it was modified and expanded. It takes its name from its owner Carlo of Naples. In the early 1700s it was abandoned and was robbed repeatedly. Only in 1991 it was sold by the family of origin to the Sicilian Region who took care of returning it to its original magnificence with renovation works. Today, the reopening is expected to be able to visit it again.

Castles, palaces and mansions

Villa Malfitano

The Villa Malfitano Whitaker in Palermo was built between 1885 and 1889 at the behest of Giuseppe Whitaker. The villa is in Neo-Renaissance style with three floors. In addition, it must be remembered that this villa is beautifully decorated and in its rooms we can admire beautiful paintings, porcelain, Flemish tapestries and many other art objects that the owner has collected on his countless travels. The building is well preserved and is among the most beautiful in the province. It is currently the headquarters of the Whitmer Foundation.

Fountains

Fontana Pretoria

The Fountain was built by the sculptor F.Camilliani in 1554 on commission by Don Luigi di Toledo. The Fountain consisted of 48 statues, depicting Greek gods, and its size was unusual since it was not intended for a public space. It consists of three circular pools from which a beautiful water play begins.

Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri

The existence of Palazzo Chiaramonte, otherwise known as Palazzo Steri, is due to the name of Count Manfredi Chiaramonte who, in the fourteenth century, began its construction from the ceiling of the Sala Magna. The square-shaped building is a middle street between a medieval castle and a patrician residence. For more than a century, the palace housed the offices of the Inquisition Tribunal. Thanks to the excavations, a monument was discovered in the basement about seven meters high.

Theaters

Teatro Nuovo Montevergini

Located in the church of Santa Maria di Montevergini, it welcomes local contemporary artists with the intent to exploit the emerging realities. It hosts the Palermo Teatro Festival,  where Palermitan actors of national importance, meet up.

Theaters

Teatro Biondo

Originally it was placed in an intermediate position between the gorgeous Massimo andpopular Politeama. Built in traditional style with Art Nouveau accents, it was opened in1903. Today it boasts a rich program of dramas.

Theaters

Teatro Libero

Active in the city since 1968, here are held contemporary theater productions also by unpublished authors. See the 'Incontroazione/ Teatro Festival', which welcomes representations from all over the world. It houses the theater workshops and numerous university seminars.

Theaters

Teatro Politeama “Garibaldi”

One of the oldest theaters in the city, here are held theater productions of various kinds. Officially opened in 1891 with Verdi's Otello, it hosted the maestro Toscanini as conductor. Remarkable is the architecture and the works that adorn it.

Museums

Museo del Risorgimento "V. E. Orlando"

Opened in 1918 with a collection of objects collected during the Great War, it was reopened after extensive renovations in 2010. The exhibit includes many findings such as weapons, garibaldine uniforms and the parliamentary bench of Crispi.

Museums

Palazzo Asmundo

The building of 1615 owes its name to the Marquis Giuseppe Asmundo. It houses the Martorana collection, consisting of porcelain, pottery, weapons, carriages and sedans, as well as a rich display of postcards.

Museums

Civica Galleria d'Arte Moderna "E. Restivo"

Born in 1910 in the foyer of the Politeama, today it is located in the monumental complex of St. Anne. It houses a permanent collection, comprising 214 works including paintings and sculptures, ranging from Neoclassicism to Italian and Sicilian twentieth century.

Museums

Museo Geologico "G. G. Gemmellaro"

The museum was founded in 1860 and it is housed in the department of geology and geodesy of the University of Palermo. The museum boasts a collection of 600,000pieces among which you can see paleontological findings, fossils and casts.

Churches and places of worship

Chiesa Martorana

The Martorana Church, also called the church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio or San Nicolò dei Greci, is among the most fascinating Byzantine churches of the Middle Ages in Italy, and works the liturgy according to the Byzantine rite.

Museums

Museo del Mare

The Museum of the Sea was opened in 1997, is located inside the ancient Arsenal. The Arsenal was built by Palermo architect Mariano Smiriglio in just 9 years, between 1621 and 1630 and was completed under the vicereame of Francisco Fernández de La Cueva Duke of Alburquerque.

Museums

Museo d'Arte e Archeologia

Owned by the Fondazione Banco di Sicilia, 1958 there are on display findings from, mostly, the necropolis in Sicily. In addition, it owns ceramics, collections of numismatics and philately.

Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Speciale-Raffadali

The Palazzo Speciale-Raffadali in Palermo was built in 1468. Unfortunately, between the 17th and 18th centuries it was demolished and rebuilt by the Raffadali family, who owned it. The style is catalanizing and with elements dating back to the '400, the '600 and '700. Two peculiarities to mention are: the niche that is located on top with a bust attributed to Domenico Gagini. The other thing is that inside the building there is a secret garden hidden by high walls.

Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Vanni

Palazzo Vanni belonged in the 17th century to the Vanni family. Today the palace is called by another name, Morana. The structure has undergone restoration in recent years. In the facade of the building you can still admire the remains of capitals and columns, as well as arches dating back to the nineteenth century.

Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Sambuca

Palazzo Sambuca in Palermo has been renovated for a few years now due to its poor condition. It is now among the most beautiful buildings in the surrounding area, especially because it is very old.

Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Roccella

The Palazzo Roccella in Palermo is located in the historic center and is a noble palace that belongs to the '500. Its name comes from its owners who were called La Gruta, Rivaroli and Vanni, but throughout the area they were known as the princes of Roccella. Today the building is divided into 17 mini apartments rented. The building is in excellent condition.

Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello della Cuba

The building was build on 1180 and originally used as a leper’s hospital.its actual intention as to why it was built is however not clearly known.

Walls, towers and gates

Torre Saracena

The Saracen towers are fortifications that date back to Roman times, with greater expansion in the Kingdom of Naples. We can distinguish these buildings in defense and sighting towers. Over the centuries the towers have often changed shape, moving from a circular shape to a square, this for strategic reasons, in fact needed them to defend against the attacks of cannon blows.