PALERMO AND AROUND
In the majestic cathedral of Palermo
During the visit to Palermo, the cathedral must not be missing. The majestic building combines the Gothic style with the most ancient architecture of the Norman period, embellished by the taste of Arab art as well as by the successive friezes of the Baroque period. A true piece of the city's history, where every century has left its mark.
Palazzo dei Normanni and the Palatine Chapel
Also the Palazzo dei Normanni is one of the symbolic places of Palermo, the capital of Sicily. What to see inside? In addition to the Palatine Chapel, a real gem that alone is worth the visit, the entire castle tells the story of the domain
Norman island and is included in an important route of sites protected by UNESCO.
The Norman Arab style in the church of the Martorana
The correct name would be the Church of the Admiral, but from the Palermitans it is known as the Martorana. It is one of the most suggestive architectures of Sicily, where the Norman Arab style is best expressed and blends with the splendor of the Byzantine mosaics.
18th century Palermo: the Quattro Canti
Palermo is not just a marvel of the Arab-Norman style. The Sicilian capital has in fact a baroque heart that is located between Via Vittorio and Via Maqueda. The Quattro Canti is a masterpiece of eighteenth-century urban planning, a legacy of Spanish domination in the city.
In the local markets a Sicily of other times
Palermo is also famous for its typical local markets, places where you can breathe a unique and special atmosphere, as if time had stopped. Ballarò and Vucciria are certainly the most picturesque and popular, along with the Mercato del Capo and Borgo Vecchio.
The golden mosaics of the Monreale Cathedral
Duomo di Monreale Not far from Palermo, the cathedral of Monreale is entirely decorated with golden mosaics and is part of the Arab-Norman sites included in the Unesco heritage of Sicily, places to visit not only for their historical and artistic value, but because they are capable to amaze with their unique beauty.
Cefalù: medieval village close to the sea
Cefalù, together with Palermo and Monreale, is one of the most renowned places in Sicily. There are many places to visit in this beautiful medieval village close to the sea: from the cathedral, built by King Roger II, to the bastions that once defended the town and the fortress.
In summer and in winter: Cefalù beach
One of the aspects that makes Cefalù unique is certainly its beautiful beach, which is located right next to the historic center. The old houses of the village overlook a clear water and beautiful views even in winter, when the village offers an even more suggestive atmosphere.