Visiting Palermo is an unmissable opportunity to discover a unique culture, rich in history and flavours. Located on the north-western coast of Sicily, this destination surprises visitors with its mix of monuments and breathtaking landscapes, offering truly evocative and fascinating experiences. From its historic centre to the splendid city beaches, Palermo is a city to visit at least once in your life.
The best of Palermo: art, culture and history
There are numerous attractions that you can visit in Palermo to immerse yourself in its historical-cultural heritage, starting with the magnificent Cathedral. Inside this architectural jewel, declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, the testimonies of the incredible history of the city are brought together: from the elegance of the Arab-Norman art to the monumental urn containing the remains of Santa Rosalia, patroness and protector to whom the Sicilian capital dedicates an incredible celebration on July 15th of each year. Among the things to see in Palermo, the Palazzo dei Normanni is not to be missed. The numerous historical stratifications, from the Phoenician era onwards, tell the important symbolic and military value of this place which is the oldest royal residence in Europe. Inside, it is possible to discover the Palatine Chapel, a three-nave basilica decorated with Byzantine mosaics of extraordinary beauty, which offers visitors an intimate and immersive experience.
What to do in Palermo
A visit to Palermo offers the opportunity to be in contact with some of the most important cultural institutions in Italy. For lovers of classical music, an unmissable stop is the Teatro Massimo, one of the largest and most prestigious temples of opera at an international level which offers a truly unique programme of events every year. The Capuchin Catacombs, an underground cemetery that preserves skeletons and mummies dressed in period clothing, is full of charm and mystery. Visiting Palermo is also a tempting opportunity for art enthusiasts, who can thus discover the collections on display at Palazzo Abatellis. Here it is possible to admire, among others, the masterpieces of Antonello da Messina and the incredible fifteenth-century fresco of the Triumph of Death.
Palermo: typical dishes and nature
Among the things to do in Palermo, you cannot miss a visit to the historic centre and the Ballarò market, known not only for its local products but also for its offering of delicious street food, such as arancine, bread and panelle, the sfincione and the exquisite pani câ mèusa, or spleen sandwich. However, Palermo is a city surrounded by exuberant and varied nature. A dip at Mondello beach, located between Monte Pellegrino and the Capo Gallo nature reserve, allows you to enjoy the experience of a refreshing swim in the waters of a crystalline sea, while a tour in nearby Bagheria is an opportunity to discover the stupendous baroque villas that once dominated the countryside and lemon groves around the city.
Visiting Palermo with Air Dolomiti is a unique experience and not to be missed. Prepare your trip to southern Italy and experience a stay full of culture, mystical charm and unrepeatable flavours.
