Awesome scenery, afforded by its location at the foot of the magnificent Monte Pellegrino, gives the Sicilian capital of Palermo some of its most significant appeal while a wealth of architectural heritage certainly does nothing to lessen its attractiveness. The stigma of a city under Mafia control is gradually becoming a distant memory and Palermo now enjoys a revitalized reputation as Sicily’s most popular tourist destination.
Museums housing historical artifacts and impressive collections of classic and contemporary artworks are on hand after culture seekers have exhausted the list of architectural treasures that the city has to offer. The local catacombs defy categorization; however, they are certainly worth a visit if you have an appetite for the macabre.
The local tourist infrastructure is well developed, giving visitors an excellent selection of accommodation, dining and nightlife options. The evening entertainment scene draws locals from neighboring towns and villages such is its reputation for vibrancy and liveliness with numerous bars, pubs, clubs and discotheques catering to the action-hungry evening revellers.
Highlights
Catacombs of the Capuchins: located under the Capuchins Monastery, these catacombs naturally contain a preservative that slows decomposition of the cadavers that are deposited in them - an interesting place to visit, if not a touch on the gruesome side.
International Puppet Museum: hailed as the greatest museum of its kind in the world, this facility is a must for anyone interested in the history of marionettes and their once integral role as a form of popular entertainment.
Regional Archaeological Museum: located in a series of historic buildings, the oldest of which dates back to the 13th century, this museum features artifacts from prehistoric times to the Roman era as well as more recent finds.
Palace of the Normans: known as Palazzo dei Normanni by the locals, this impressive building dates back to the 9th century or possibly even further back, or so historians speculate.
The Duomo: Palermo’s cathedral is an odd and somewhat unbalanced mix of architectural styles due to the influences of so many different architects. This is perhaps not the most beautiful Duomo in Italy, but is worth a visit all the same.
The Regional Gallery: certainly Sicily’s most impressive gallery and one of the finest in the country, this facility is home to artworks that cover the period from the 13th to the 18th century.