Palermo, Sicily is history, culture, and art all rolled into one beautiful destination. With a fascinating history, a wide variety of opulent locations to visit, and cuisine that can't be matched anywhere, you are sure to thoroughly enjoy your visit. Host to 9 separate UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you will feel transported back in time while visiting this lovely city.
Located in the northwest of the island of Sicily and with a beautiful natural port, Palermo developed a complicated history. It was first established in 734 BCE by the Phoenicians. Due to its Mediterranean climate, which remains warm year round, and the popular port, it was claimed by the following empires and peoples: Carthage, Roman Republic, Byzantine Empire, Arabs, Normans, Germany, Kingdom of Naples, Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and finally Italy in 1860.
Located in a basin surrounded by a mountain range, it is the warmest city in Europe. This led to beautiful natural foliage and architecture built with the climate in mind. Tall ceilings, long hallways, and many windows often are seen when visiting the many historical buildings in Palermo. But, the architects typically didn't stop there, many of the palaces, churches, museums, opera houses and more are incredibly ornate, some might say opulent. This makes sightseeing a must and most have discovered that this activity goes best with excursions. See what you want to see (there are so many choices) with an experienced guide who will be both professional and highly informative.
You'll have lots to choose from such as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that include the Palazzo Reale, Cappella Palatina, the Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti, Chiesa di Santa Maria dell Ammiraglio, the Chiesa de San Cataldo, Cattedrale di Palermo, the Palazzo della Zisa and the Ponte dell Ammiraglio. These are just the sites that have been awarded this prestigious award. But, there are also catacombs, opera houses, ancient walls, fabulous restaurants, beautiful parks and so much more that you are sure to enjoy the beauty that is Palermo.
Fun fact: When Palermo was first established by the Phoenicians they named it ZyZ, which means flower.
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