Palermo is the capital and largest city of the Italian island of Sicily. It’s a bustling city with plenty to do, and there are many attractions in Palermo that you definitely shouldn’t miss when visiting this fantastic city. Cruise ships regularly dock at the port, and more and more people are arriving via the airport.
The Sicilian capital has a rich history, and despite World War II, there are still plenty of historical attractions in Palermo to visit. The diverse architectural styles you’ll encounter here are quite striking. Additionally, the city enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it a very appealing destination to visit year-round. Perfect for a Palermo city trip.
Palermo attractions
Heading to Palermo? Here are some tips:
- Visit Palazzo dei Normanni
- View the collection at the Stanze al Genio museum
- Visit the Catacombe dei Capuccini
- Enjoy at Teatro Massimo
- Relax in the botanical gardens
- Discover the Arabic Castello della Zisa
- Explore the famous food markets
- Bike with a Dutch guide along the attractions in Palermo
Palazzo dei Normanni
Many attractions in Palermo can be found at Piazza della Vittoria. The Palazzo dei Normanni is one of them. This palace is also known as Palazzo Reale. It is primarily built in the Renaissance style and is currently the office where the Sicilian parliament meets. The Palazzo dei Normanni is partially open to the public for a fee. On the ground floor, you can also admire the Royal Chapel ‘Capella Palatina’.
Stanze al Genio
The main part of the collection at the Stanze al Genio museum consists of 2300 majolica tiles, produced in the Naples and Sicily area. The rooms of the palace are perfectly suited to showcase the diverse collection in a unique way. Some tiles are centuries old, while others are hyper-modern. The museum’s collection has been gathered over more than thirty years and is still being expanded.
Catacombe dei Capuccini
This Capuchin burial site was established sometime in the sixteenth century. The current cemetery at the abbey became quite full, and they had to move to another location. Initially, only monks were allowed to be buried there, but it was later decided that, for a donation, non-clergy could also be buried there. Now, you can visit the ‘Catacombe dei Cappucini’ and witness over eight thousand mummified individuals who have been laid to rest there.
Teatro Massimo
The Teatro Massimo is an opera house and one of the most beautiful attractions in Palermo. It is the largest opera house in Italy and the third-largest in Europe. The opera is renowned for its excellent acoustics. Construction of the teatro took a long time, but after many years, the doors finally opened in 1897. During this festive event, the sounds of Verdi’s Falstaff were heard.
The botanical gardens of Palermo
The Orto Botanico di Palermo (the botanical gardens of Palermo) is a peaceful spot in the city.
The gardens cover an area of about 12 hectares. You’ll find several interesting buildings, including a gymnasium, a calidarium, and a tepidarium. There are also greenhouses and an aquarium. The gardens are home to at least 12,000 different organisms. Additionally, there is a research and educational center from the Department of Botany of the University of Palermo.
The Arabic Castello della Zisa
The Castello della Zisa is part of the UNESCO ‘Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale World Heritage Site’.
It mainly served as a hunting lodge and summer residence for the Norman kings. The design is clearly based on Arabic architecture, and there are many features of Islamic art, tools, and objects. The central hall with mosaic decoration is particularly striking.
Construction of this castle began in the 12th century, under the command of King William I of Sicily. The construction was carried out by Arab craftsmen. It was completed during the reign of his son.
Discover the famous food markets
Who doesn’t love food markets? They are a fantastic way to discover and taste the local cuisine while exploring the heart of the city. In Palermo, there are several beautiful food markets that are open daily. The main ones are Ballaro, Capo, Borgo Vecchio, and Vucciria, all located in the city center (not far from the attractions).
Bike with a Dutch guide past the attractions in Palermo
Want to see all the attractions in Palermo in a fun, quick, and safe way? Then book a bike tour with a local guide. In just 3 hours, you’ll get a great overview of the city. The guide will take you past both the well-known and lesser-known attractions in Palermo. We always recommend doing the bike tour at the beginning of your city trip so that the guide can give you tips for the rest of your stay in this fantastic Italian city.
