What to see in Palermo: Places not to miss

Palermo Cathedral

Architectural masterpiece blending Norman, Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Houses royal tombs of Norman and Swa...

Church of Saint Mary of the Admiral (Martorana Church)

Byzantine art jewel with extraordinary 12th-century mosaics. The dome depicts Christ Pantocrator surrounded by angels. T...

Teatro Massimo Opera House

Italy's largest opera house and Europe's third largest. Built in neoclassical style in the late 19th century, it's famou...

Norman Palace

Former seat of Sicily's Kings and today's Regional Parliament. The palace combines Arab, Norman, and Baroque elements. T...

Palermo Botanical Garden

Founded in 1789, it's one of Europe's most important botanical gardens. Spans 10 hectares with rare and exotic species. ...

Monreale Cathedral

Masterpiece of Norman architecture, famous for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics covering 6,340 sq m. The Benedictine ...

Zisa Castle

Arab-Norman palace from the 12th century, a perfect example of Arab-Norman architecture. The name derives from Arabic "a...

Palazzo Abatellis - Regional Gallery of Sicily

Gothic-Catalan palace from the 15th century, now a medieval and modern art museum. Houses masterpieces like Antonello da...

Villa Giulia - Garibaldi Garden

Palermo's first public garden from 1778. Features neoclassical design with geometric paths, fountains and statues. The f...

Vucciria Market

Historic Palermo market, famous for its lively atmosphere and colors. The name derives from French "boucherie". Immortal...

Quattro Canti

Baroque intersection from the 17th century at the crossing of Palermo's two main axes. Each facade represents a season, ...

Oratory of San Lorenzo

Sixteenth-century oratory famous for Giacomo Serpotta's extraordinary stuccos. Sadly known for the theft of Caravaggio's...

Pretoria Fountain (Fountain of Shame)

Monumental 16th-century fountain, known as "Fountain of Shame" for its nude statues. Work by Francesco Camilliani, purch...

Mondello Beach

Beautiful white sand beach with crystal waters 11 km from Palermo. Famous for Art Nouveau villas and 1912 beach establis...

Mount Pellegrino

Limestone promontory of 609m defined by Goethe as "the most beautiful promontory in the world". Hosts St. Rosalia Sanctu...

Mirto Palace

Historic residence of the Filangeri family, perfectly preserved with original 18th and 19th-century furnishings. Interio...

Church of Jesus (Casa Professa)

Masterpiece of 17th-century Sicilian Baroque. Interiors completely covered with mixed marbles and polychrome inlays. Dam...

Sanctuary of Saint Rosalia

Cave sanctuary from the 17th century dedicated to Palermo's patron saint. Built around the cave where the Saint's relics...

Capo Market

Historic popular market in the heart of Palermo. Famous for fresh products, street food and authentic atmosphere. Stalls...

Antonino Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum

Western Sicily's most important archaeological museum. Houses valuable Phoenician, Greek and Roman artifacts, including ...

Palazzo Branciforte

16th-century noble palace restored by Gae Aulenti. Houses the historic Monte dei Pegni with original wooden shelving. Co...

Capuchin Catacombs

Extraordinary historical site with over 8,000 dressed mummies. Since 1599, Capuchin friars preserved Palermitan nobles' ...

GAM - Gallery of Modern Art

Housed in the restored monumental complex of Sant'Anna, exhibits Sicilian art from 19th to 21st century. Collection incl...

Church of San Cataldo

12th-century Norman church with distinctive red domes. Perfect example of Arab-Norman architecture, features austere int...

Count Federico Palace

Historic residence still inhabited by the Federico family, descendants of Frederick II. Built on a Punic tower, preserve...

Admiral's Bridge

Medieval bridge built in 1113 by Admiral George of Antioch. Exceptional example of Norman engineering with pointed arche...

Church of San Giuseppe dei Teatini

Majestic 17th-century Baroque church at Quattro Canti. Interiors richly decorated with polychrome marbles, frescoes and ...

Crypt of the Repentant

16th-century crypt, ancient burial place for "repentant women". Walls decorated with macabre frescoes and memento mori. ...

Church of Santa Maria della Catena

Late Gothic church from the 15th century near the ancient port. Name derives from chain that closed the port. Three-arch...

Coronation Loggia

15th-century Gothic loggia where Sicily's kings were crowned. Architecture shows Catalan influences with refined decorat...

Villa Palagonia

18th-century villa known as "Villa of Monsters" for its grotesque statues. Masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque, features ric...

Villa Tasca

17th-century historic villa with splendid romantic garden. The 8-hectare park hosts rare botanical species and artificia...

Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti

Norman church with distinctive Arab-influenced red domes. Arabesque cloister surrounded by Mediterranean garden. Former ...

Palazzo Butera

Recently restored 18th-century palace on Kalsa seafront. Interiors preserve original frescoes and decorations. Now cultu...

Valguarnera-Gangi Palace

Famous 18th-century palace, location of The Leopard's ball scene. The ballroom with mirrors and frescoes is among Europe...

Oratory of Santa Cita

Baroque masterpiece with extraordinary stuccos by Giacomo Serpotta. Walls narrate Rosary stories through white sculpture...

Cuba Castle

12th-century Norman royal palace with evident Arab influences. Name derives from Arabic "qubba". Was surrounded by garde...

Utveggio Castle

Neo-Gothic building from 1930 on Mount Pellegrino. Originally luxury hotel, now conference center. Panoramic location of...

Oratory of the Whites

17th-century Baroque oratory decorated by Giacomo Serpotta. Stuccos represent works of mercy. Building was headquarters ...

RISO Contemporary Art Museum

Contemporary art museum housed in 18th-century Palazzo Belmonte Riso. Exhibits works by contemporary Sicilian artists. E...

Politeama Garibaldi Theatre

Neoclassical theatre from 1874 with distinctive circular structure. Facade dominated by triumphal arch with bronze quadr...

Malfitano Whitaker Villa

19th-century Neo-Gothic villa with splendid 5-hectare garden. Interiors preserve Whitaker family's art collections and o...

Fountain of the Genius

18th-century fountain with statue of Palermo's Genius, city symbol. Figure represents genius loci protecting Palermo. Sq...

Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

13th-century Gothic-Catalan church with Baroque elements. Portal is masterpiece of Sicilian Renaissance sculpture. Inter...

Chiaramonte-Steri Palace

14th-century Gothic palace, former Inquisition headquarters. Sala Magna preserves extraordinary painted wooden ceiling. ...

Palace of Eagles - Pretoria Palace

Historic Palermo City Hall since 15th century. Current building from 1875 in neoclassical style. Interiors preserve hist...

Church of San Domenico

17th-century Baroque church, second largest in Palermo. Pantheon of illustrious Sicilians with tombs of famous people. N...

Gallery of Victories

Historic Art Nouveau shopping arcade from 1924. Iron and glass structure typical of period architecture. Houses historic...

Mount Catalfano

Nature reserve with panoramic view of Gulf of Palermo. Rich in hiking trails and Phoenician archaeological sites. Medite...

Forcella De Seta Palace

19th-century Neo-Gothic palace on seafront. Interiors preserve original frescoes and period furnishings. Terraces offer ...

Castle by the Sea

Medieval fortress on harbor of Phoenician origin. Underwent numerous modifications over centuries. Ruins testify to vari...

Giuseppe Pitrè Sicilian Ethnographic Museum

Important museum of Sicilian folk culture. Collects costumes, work tools and everyday life objects. Collection includes ...

Alliata di Villafranca Palace

17th-century Baroque palace with sumptuous interior decoration. Rooms preserve frescoes, original furnishings and valuab...

Ballarò Market

Palermo's oldest and liveliest market, famous for colors and authentic atmosphere. Known for fresh local products and ty...

Church of Saint Augustine

13th-century Gothic church with splendid rose window on facade. Interior preserves Norman elements and Baroque decoratio...

Foro Italico

Historic Palermo seafront, also known as "Marina". Green area with views of sea and Mount Pellegrino. Meeting point for ...

Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli

17th-century Baroque church with precious polychrome marbles. Facade features elaborate portal and sculptural decoration...

Villino Florio

Elegant Art Nouveau villa designed by Ernesto Basile in 1899. Masterpiece of Sicilian Art Nouveau with floral decoration...

Church of the Holy Savior

18th-century Baroque church with elliptical plan. The dome is one of Palermo's largest. Interiors feature precious polyc...

Church of the Magione

12th-century Norman church founded by Teutonic Knights. Example of Cistercian architecture with Arabic elements. Medieva...

Maritime Museum - Arsenal

Museum housed in ancient Bourbon Arsenal. Collects artifacts of Sicilian maritime history, ship models and nautical inst...

Porta Nuova

16th-century monumental city gate, western entrance to city. Building features Renaissance and Mannerist elements. Upper...

Natoli Palace

18th-century Baroque palace with fine Rococo decorations. Interiors preserve original frescoes and period furniture. Cou...

Risorgimento Museum

Historical museum documenting the Sicilian and national Risorgimento period. Houses relics, documents, uniforms and weap...

Casa Professa Municipal Library

Historic public library housed in a 16th-century former Jesuit college. Houses over 300,000 volumes, including medieval ...

Villa Niscemi

Eighteenth-century villa, now the ceremonial seat of Palermo Municipality. The interiors preserve period furnishings and...

Former Sant'Erasmo Locomotive Depot (Sea Ecomuseum)

Former 19th-century railway depot transformed into a cultural space. The restored industrial complex hosts exhibitions, ...

Villa Filippina

18th-century complex with historical astronomical observatory and planetarium. The garden hosts outdoor concerts and cul...

Punic Necropolis

Archaeological area preserving important evidence of Punic Palermo. The necropolis, dating from the 6th to 4th century B...

Municipal Historical Archive

Important archive preserving documents from the 13th century on Palermo's history. The collection includes parchments, m...

Antonio Pasqualino Puppet Museum

Museum dedicated to the ancient tradition of Sicilian puppets. Houses a vast collection of historical puppets, costumes ...

Little Cuba

12th-century Arab-Norman pavilion with characteristic red dome. Once part of a royal garden complex, it represents a ref...

Santa Cecilia Theater

Historic theater in the heart of Kalsa, restored respecting the 18th-century architecture. Now hosts jazz and classical ...

Maqueda Courtyard

Majestic Renaissance courtyard of the Norman Palace, built in the 16th century by Viceroy Bernardino de Cardenas, Duke o...

Villa Garibaldi

Historic garden in Piazza Marina created in 1863. Home to monumental trees including the famous Ficus macrophylla with i...

Former Oretea Foundry

Important example of 19th-century industrial archaeology. Former foundry transformed into a cultural space that maintain...

Cave of Beati Paoli

Ancient network of underground tunnels linked to the legendary Beati Paoli sect. The rock-cut galleries connected strate...

Palazzo Asmundo

17th-century baroque noble palace overlooking the Cathedral. The interiors preserve frescoes, antique furniture and a co...

Church of San Giovanni dei Napoletani

17th-century baroque church built by Palermo's Neapolitan community. The facade features decorative elements typical of ...

Palazzo Jung

Elegant Liberty-style palace built in 1901 by architect Luigi Speranza. The floral stucco decorations of the facade and ...

Palazzo Moncada

17th-century baroque palace with a spectacular facade rich in sculptural decorations. The interiors feature frescoed hal...

Santa Caterina Monastery

Baroque monastic complex founded in the 14th century. Famous for its convent sweets and majolica cloister. Inside are pr...

Church of San Matteo

Baroque church with an elaborate curved limestone facade from the 18th century. The octagonal interior features polychro...

Villa Trabia

18th century historic villa surrounded by a four-hectare park. The English garden features rare plants, fountains and a ...

Porta Felice

Monumental baroque gate from the 17th century that marked the access to the Cassaro from the sea. Dedicated to Queen Fel...

Palazzo Alliata di Pietratagliata

15th century Catalan-Gothic palace with baroque elements added in the 18th century. The interiors preserve frescoes, per...

Church of San Giorgio dei Genovesi

16th century church built by Palermo's Genoese community. The Renaissance facade features Ligurian decorative elements. ...

Church of the Three Kings

17th century church dedicated to the Magi Kings. The baroque facade features spiral columns and sculptural decorations. ...

Villa Sperlinga

19th century villa with a vast public park in the Libertà district. The garden includes centuries-old trees, tree-lined...

Church of San Stanislao Kostka

19th century neo-Gothic church dedicated to the Polish Jesuit saint. The sandstone facade features elaborate decorations...

Acquasanta

Ancient fishing village with characteristic tourist marina. The historic tuna fishery and the church dedicated to Santa ...

Church of Sant'Ippolito

Medieval church dating back to the 12th century with baroque modifications. The facade preserves the original portal wit...

Chinese Palace

Royal residence in oriental style built for Ferdinand IV of Bourbon. The building combines Chinese, Turkish and neoclass...

Porta Sant'Agata

Ancient gate of the city walls of Punic origin, rebuilt in medieval times. The current structure dates back to the 16th ...

Church of Sant'Antonio Abate

Baroque church rebuilt in the 17th century on a medieval building. The facade features a richly decorated marble portal....

Church of San Giovanni dei Lebbrosi

12th century Norman church with Arab-Byzantine elements. Built by Roger II as a chapel for an ancient leper hospital. Th...

Villa Bonanno

Historic garden built on the remains of the ancient Punic city. During excavations, remains of Roman houses with mosaics...

Diocesan Museum

Museum housed in the 15th century Archbishop's Palace. It preserves one of Sicily's most important collections of sacred...

Garibaldi Theatre at Kalsa

Historic theater from 1861 in the heart of Kalsa. It was the district's first popular theater, built by local fishermen ...

Maredolce Castle

Arab-origin palace-fortress known as Favara Castle. Built in the 12th century for King Roger II, it was surrounded by an...

Historical Engine Museum

Only Italian university museum dedicated to historical engines. The collection includes over 200 pieces including aerona...

Air Raid Shelter of Palazzo delle Aquile

System of underground tunnels used as an air raid shelter during World War II. The complex, extending beneath the city h...

Pietro Piraino Toy Museum

Extraordinary private collection gathering over 5000 historical toys from 1800 to 1900. Contains rare vintage dolls, toy...

Benedictine Cloister of Monreale

Magnificent 12th-century cloister with 228 twin columns decorated with mosaics and carved capitals. Each column is uniqu...

Villa Valguarnera

Magnificent baroque villa from 1712 designed by Tommaso Napoli. The interiors preserve 18th-century frescoes and a preci...

Cefalù Beach

Beautiful 1 km long golden sand beach in the heart of the medieval city. The crystal-clear waters and view of the Cefal�...

Monreale Viewpoint

Panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views of Palermo's Conca d'Oro. The viewpoint, surrounded by historic cafes, is ...

Monreale Diocesan Museum

Museum preserving precious sacred furnishings, vestments and artworks from the 12th to 19th centuries. Among the most im...

Villa San Cataldo

18th-century villa with a magnificent Italian garden. Famous for its monumental double staircase and Vito D'Anna's fresc...

Guttuso Museum

Housed in the 18th century Villa Cattolica, it preserves the most important collection of Renato Guttuso's works. Includ...

Medieval Washhouse

15th century public washhouse fed by the Cefalino spring. The lava stone basins are topped by pointed arches and a sceni...

Cefalù Basilica

Majestic Norman cathedral built in 1131 by Roger II's will. Sublime example of Arab-Norman architecture, famous for its ...

Cefalù Rock

270-meter limestone promontory overlooking the city. At the top are the remains of the 9th century BC Temple of Diana an...

Arenella Beach

Characteristic city beach set between rocky cliffs. The ancient fishing village preserves the charm of fishing tradition...

Vergine Maria Beach

Small beach of sand and pebbles in the fishing village. The crystal-clear water and sunset colors make it particularly e...

Barcarello Beach

Evocative rocky beach at the foot of Capo Gallo Reserve. The seabed rich in marine life makes it perfect for snorkeling....

Addaura Beach

Characteristic rocky beach under Mount Pellegrino. Famous for its seabed rich in marine flora and fauna and prehistoric ...

Coral Bay

Picturesque bay nestled among rocks with seabeds rich in corals and marine life. The turquoise waters and rock formation...

Cape Gallo

Protected marine area with hidden coves and sea caves. Coastal paths offer spectacular sea views and chances to spot rap...

Palatine Chapel

A masterpiece of medieval art, the Palatine Chapel is the jewel of the Norman Palace. Built in 1130 by Roger II, it harm...

Comitini Palace

A majestic 18th-century palace, Palazzo Comitini is an excellent example of Palermitan noble architecture. The interiors...

English Garden

Created in 1851 by architect Giovan Battista Filippo Basile, the English Garden is a magnificent example of a romantic p...

San Bartolomeo Loggia

The San Bartolomeo Loggia is an elegant 16th-century portico that represents a remarkable example of Renaissance archite...

Sant'Elia Palace

Palazzo Sant'Elia, a magnificent example of late Baroque architecture, was built in the 18th century. Its sumptuous hall...

Royal Poorhouse

The Royal Poorhouse, an imposing 18th-century structure commissioned by Charles III of Bourbon, is one of Palermo's larg...

Zisa Cultural Center

The Zisa Cultural Center, converted from a former 20th-century industrial complex, is now one of Palermo's most importan...

Specola Museum

The Specola Museum, housed in the Pisan Tower of the Norman Palace, is a historic astronomical observatory founded in 17...

Museum of Mineralogy

The Museum of Mineralogy at the University of Palermo houses one of Italy's most important mineralogical collections. Fo...

G.G. Gemmellaro Paleontological Museum

The Gemmellaro Paleontological Museum, founded in 1860, houses one of Italy's most important paleontological collections...

Palazzo Ziino

Palazzo Ziino, an elegant Art Nouveau building from the early 1900s, is now an important cultural center in Palermo. The...

Orléans Park

The Orléans Park, an extensive green lung in the heart of the university area, was created in the 19th century as the g...

Holy Cross Anglican Church

The Holy Cross Anglican Church, built in the 19th century, represents an interesting example of neo-Gothic architecture ...

Church of San Nicola da Tolentino

The Church of San Nicola da Tolentino, built in the 17th century, is a notable example of Palermitan baroque architectur...

Church of Our Lady of Mercy at Capo

The Church of Our Lady of Mercy at Capo, located in the ancient Capo district, is a baroque jewel from the 17th century....

Church of Saint Mary of the Angels (La Gancia)

The Church of Saint Mary of the Angels, dating back to the 16th century, is a significant example of Renaissance archite...

Church of Santa Maria dello Spasimo

Lo Spasimo, an unfinished 16th-century church, is now one of Palermo's most evocative cultural venues. Its open-air wall...

Palazzo Bonocore

Palazzo Bonocore, an elegant 19th-century building overlooking Piazza Pretoria, is a notable example of neoclassical arc...

Palazzo Ajutamicristo

Palazzo Ajutamicristo is an imposing 15th-century building, one of the most significant examples of Gothic-Catalan archi...

Church of Santa Maria di Monte Oliveto

The Church of Santa Maria di Monte Oliveto, dating back to the 16th century, is an example of Renaissance religious arch...

Chapel of Our Lady of Solitude

The Chapel of Our Lady of Solitude, a 17th-century gem, was built by Palermo's Spanish community. It is distinguished by...

Church of Saint Anne

The Church of Saint Anne, a baroque masterpiece from the 17th century, is one of the finest examples of religious archit...

Church of Saint Clare

The Church of Saint Clare, founded in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 18th century, is an example of Gothic and Baro...

Garraffo Fountain

The Garraffo Fountain, created in 1698 by Gioacchino Vitagliano, is a fine example of baroque sculpture. Located in the ...

Garraffello Fountain

The Garraffello Fountain, built in the 16th century, is an important example of Renaissance architecture in Palermo. Loc...

Church of Saint Mary of Piety

The Church of Saint Mary of Piety, a baroque jewel from the 17th century, stands out for its elegant curved facade. The ...

Church of Saint Mary in Valverde

The Church of Saint Mary in Valverde, built in the 16th century, is an example of late Renaissance architecture with bar...

Calderai Street

Via Calderai, a historic street in the heart of Palermo, is traditionally home to copper artisans' workshops. The street...

Porta dei Greci

Greeks' Gate, an ancient gate in Palermo's walls, takes its name from the Greek community that lived in the area. Built ...

Porta Carini

Carini Gate, dating back to the 16th century, is one of Palermo's historic gates that led to the ancient Capo market. Ch...

Porta della Calcina

Calcina Gate, an ancient gate in Palermo's medieval walls, takes its name from the lime warehouses that were located nea...

Porta Montalto

Montalto Gate, built in the 16th century, is one of the monumental gates of Palermo's ancient walls. Dedicated to Vicero...

Porta Mazzara

Mazzara Gate, an ancient gate in the medieval walls, takes its name from its position towards Mazara del Vallo. The stru...

Porta di Vicari

An ancient city gate, once part of Palermo's walls. Built in the 17th century, it marked the entrance to the Vicari dist...

Fountain of the Genius at Villa Giulia

Allegorical sculpture located within Villa Giulia. It represents the Genius of Palermo, protector of the city, in the fo...

Trapezoidal Pier

Redevelopment of the port of Palermo. It offers a panoramic walk, spaces for events, and a view of the sea and the city....

Health Park Foro Italico

Large urban park on the Palermo seafront. It offers green areas, jogging paths, children's play areas, and spaces for ev...

Dancing Fountain of the Trapezoidal Pier

Spectacular fountain with water features, lights, and music, located at the Trapezoidal Pier. An evening attraction that...

Porta Reale (Porta Carolina)

Royal Gate, also known as Carolina Gate, Gate of Victories or Saint Teresa Gate, was built in the 18th century during th...

Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, built in the 13th century and renovated in the 18th, is dominated by its extraor...

Chamber of Wonders

The Chamber of Wonders, created by artist Enzo Patti in his private residence in the Albergheria district, is a unique e...

Villa Di Napoli (Cuba Soprana)

Villa Di Napoli, located in the historic Cuba Soprana district, is one of Palermo's most significant 18th-century villas...

Cloister of Saint Catherine Monastery

The Cloister of Saint Catherine Monastery, founded in 1311, is part of one of the most significant monastic complexes in...

Convent of the Discalced Carmelites - Our Lady of Remedies

Founded in 1609, the complex houses the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, linked to Count Roger. The baroque church, co...

Villa Lampedusa

Villa Lampedusa is a historic villa in Palermo, famous for being the residence of "The Leopard" author, Giuseppe Tomasi ...

Church of Santa Maria di Gesù al Capo

A historic church in the heart of the Capo market, famous for its Baroque architecture. It is linked to the legend of th...

Palace of Justice

The Palace of Justice in Palermo, built in the 20th century, is an imposing building that houses the city’s main court...

No Mafia Memorial

The No Mafia Memorial is an exhibition and commemorative space that tells the story of the mafia and civil resistance, a...

Wall of Legality

The Wall of Legality, located in Piazza degli Aragonesi, is a symbolic work that promotes the culture of legality and th...