Top 50 things to do and attractions in Palermo

We were incredibly lucky to have Teatro Massimo di Palermo literally on our doorstep. The architecture is stunning and absolutely photo-worthy. It’s also famous from The Godfather Part III, where the assassination of Apollonia was filmed. We loved passing by day and night, always catching a new angle. Overall, it’s a must-see and an easy stop while exploring Palermo. Saluti

The Teatro Massimo is absolutely stunning — both inside and out. The architecture is breathtaking, from the grand marble staircase to the ornate auditorium. Attending a performance here is an unforgettable experience, and even just the guided tour gives a real sense of Palermo’s cultural richness. The acoustics are excellent, and the staff are friendly and informative. A must-visit for anyone interested in opera

We headed out early from Syracuse to do this hike. 1.2 km down the ravine to this little oasis. Getting there was an easy drive until we got a km away. Then you are on a very rocky, narrow road- praying that no one is coming the other way. Several larger vehicles parked at the start of the narrow road - i assume the passengers walked in. There are clean washrooms available for use at the top of the hill. We were given an estimate of 40 minutes down and an hour back. I’m not in the best of shape so was worried about the trip back up. Although I had already been doing a lot of steps and stairs for the past 13 days. We made it both ways in less than the estimated time told to us. The route was a mix of rock steps, loose rock and a few flatter spots- just to keep you going. lol It’s nice to be able to sit and have some lunch dangling your feet in the cool water. The temperature heated up as we descended. We were glad that the temp outside was around 24. I think if it was warmer it would slow the hike back up the hill as there isn’t a lot of shade to rest in. A beautiful hike and we certainly recommend it.

Magnificent! The atmosphere is really about the classic theatre inside of the performance part and architecture. Surrounding floors and buffet I would say need a deep renovation. It doesn't match the overall expectations. Performance, the orchestra are magnificent 😄

As fans of The Godfather trilogy, visiting the Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele was the first thing on our Palermo itinerary—it's iconic! The theater is famous worldwide as the dramatic setting for the final, tragic scene of The Godfather Part III, making it an essential pilgrimage site for film lovers. Even though we couldn't secure tickets for the interior tour this time, the building's exterior is magnificent and absolutely worth the visit. It stands as the largest opera house in Italy and the third largest in Europe, a massive, imposing structure that dominates Piazza Giuseppe Verdi. Its Neoclassical design, with a majestic hexastyle Corinthian portico and the impressive bronze lions flanking the entrance steps, speaks to the incredible wealth and culture of Palermo at the turn of the 20th century. Taking a moment to simply stand on the steps and admire the architecture, imagining the grand events that have unfolded there (both real and cinematic), is a pleasure in itself. Whether you are here for the opera, the history, or for the indelible connection to the Corleone family's final moments, the Teatro Massimo is a truly beautiful and essential stop in Palermo.

Astonishing place. Truly beautiful inside and out. Terrific accoustics. Great atmosphere. Friendly and helpful staff. Compared to rivals, extremely reasonable ticket prices. If possible don't take a tour, see a performance. Would you pay to see nice food in a restaurant? It comes alive with music.

The exterior is definitely worth to come and see, specially if you are a fan of the godfather movies. The interior is equally impressive. The guided tour is not expensive and even if it is short, it is worth it. I would recommend as second to the palazzo for the must visit in Palermo.

I visited this magnificent cathedral in May, and it was truly one of the highlights of my trip to Palermo. The moment you approach the building, you’re struck by its grand façade and unique mix of architectural styles — Norman, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical — all beautifully layered through centuries of history. It’s a place where art, faith, and culture come together in a breathtaking way. Inside, the cathedral is just as impressive. The soaring arches, intricate details, and serene atmosphere create a powerful sense of history. It’s fascinating to walk through and imagine all the generations that have passed here. The royal tombs are especially interesting, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich past. Don’t miss going up to the rooftop — the panoramic view over Palermo and the surrounding mountains is unforgettable. The combination of history, architecture, and scenery makes this place truly special. ✨ I was genuinely happy to visit this incredible site. It’s not just a monument, but a living piece of Palermo’s soul. Absolutely worth a visit!

Set in a beautiful square alongside its museum. The cathedral had a very modern feel. We did get in without waiting in line however, the building was very busy with tour groups. I would recommend heading to crypt which really is fascinating. For those who wish you can also access the upstairs via a dtstcase hidden behind a panel in the main building. For individual travellers tickets can be bought from their ticket office @ 18 Euros. The office also has toilets available at 1 Euro per person.

We came out of a narrow street to the north east and were greeted by this massive building and nice open space. The stonework is so well preserved for 900 years old and the inside is kept spotless clean. We didn't have time to tour the museum and rooftop walk but I believe 18euro allows access to both. There is a bronze line on the floor with pictures of several constellations that shows the passing of the sun through the window on certain days. Very interesting to find that in a church. There are a few large statues outside in the spacious piazza that are also worth a close look if you have time

Visited the Palermo Cathedral while in town and wow — it’s absolutely beautiful. The architecture and deep history are truly stunning, and its UNESCO status feels well-deserved. We wandered for a while and found plenty of great photo spots. Entry is paid, but worth it. Definitely a must-see when in Palermo. Saluti!

The Palermo Cathedral is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and architecturally complex buildings in all of Italy. It was the most important and beloved sight of our visit to Palermo, and it’s a place where you can easily spend an entire day exploring its incredible history and diverse grandeur. What makes this Cathedral so mesmerizing is its astonishing Arab-Norman architecture, a result of centuries of conquest and cultural fusion. Unlike a typical Italian Duomo, it features elements of Byzantine, Islamic, Gothic, and Renaissance design, visible in its massive scale, its delicate stonework, and the imposing battlements that crown the structure. From the exterior arches decorated with Arabic inscriptions to the imposing bell tower, the building tells the entire history of Sicily in stone. You can certainly spend hours simply admiring the exterior, but the interior offers equal wonder. Inside, be sure to explore the various facets of the complex: The Crypt: A quiet, ancient space holding the tombs of archbishops. The Royal Tombs: Containing the sarcophagi of Norman kings and Holy Roman Emperors, including Roger II and Frederick II. The Roofs: If possible, take the climb up to the roof for an unparalleled panoramic view of the entire city of Palermo, which truly puts the scale of the building into perspective. The Cathedral is a profoundly beautiful and essential stop that defines the grandeur and complexity of the city's identity.

The beautiful Palermo Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 12th century. The cathedral has undergone many transformations over time which has contributed to its unique blend of architectural styles (Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical). The cathedral houses the relics of Santa Rosalia, the Patron Saint of Palermo, as well as the tombs of six kings and queens. The cathedral also houses the tomb of Father Pino Pugliese, a local priest from Brancaccio who challenged the mafia and was subsequently killed by them in 1993. He was beatified by the church in 2013.

Palermo Cathedral is absolutely stunning! Just looking at the pictures and the details inside, you can really feel the faith and history. It’s one of those places that makes you stop and just take it all in.

Really beautiful beach outside of Palermo, easy to reach via public transit grabbing the 806 bus. Plenty of spaces to sit around the beach, both free and for purchase. The water was beautiful and the landscape around the city surrounded by mountains is sublime.

The beach itself is very beautiful with warm and transparent water. But the problem is infrastructure, only one public toilet, a lot of dirty, not enough garbage bins. Not enough small groceries. But anyway, maybe this is generic problem for touristic places in Italy, or Sicily. In total, amazing place to visit and swim for a few day, as for long term vacation is not adopted yet.

We visited in mid to late September, and it was still quite busy. Sandy beach and clear water. 🏖️ It was easy to find space, even in the free public areas, though towards the eastern end of the beach (near the rocky side) there was a faint smell of sewage in the air. Loads of noise due to some people playing loud music on speakers and noisy vendors along the beach. It’s a good option for a quick beach trip not far from Palermo city, but overall we preferred Cefalù Beach, which was cleaner and quieter.

A really nice beach to relax and enjoy. You can take a 10mins bus ride from the city and a few minutes walk to get there We visit there in May the weather is nice, sun light and not too hot. It’s a really good time to visit.

One of the most beautiful beaches in Palermo, it is accessible by car and even by bus. You have the private side with excellent rates, a place and shower available and even toilets. The first line is free for anyone who has their own parasol. I also recommend it especially if you are for a long stay. You also have outdoor showers and toilets. There are local restaurants and a very cute little port. I wish you an excellent stay and don't forget to return early in the day if you use the bus and to observe the times of the last bus. 🌹

A very beautiful beach and sea! It’s lovely for swimming, the water stays shallow for quite a distance, reaching only up to your hips even several meters in (for a smaller-sized person). Both the beach and the sea are clean and very pleasant. The only downside is that the beach is packed with sunbeds, leaving little space for people who don’t want to pay for one and just want to lay down a towel. Other than that, it’s easily reachable by bus from Palermo, no need for a private taxi. The bus works just fine and is very convenient. Highly recommended!

What can I say about this place. I will return one day. This was the best beach I’ve ever seen. The water was so clear I could see my feet. Wish I was able to spend a few days here.

One of Palermo’s most iconic spots! The four baroque facades are stunning, especially when lit by the sun. A perfect place to stop, take photos, and admire the historic heart of the city.

Where the two main roads cross, the magnificent hits you with full effect. The tourist stop regardless of whether walking alone or definitely when on a guided tour.

Quattro Canti (Four Corners) is not just an intersection; it is one of Palermo's most important and memorable sights, serving as the dramatic, architectural heart of the city. We passed by it many times, and every single time the energy was different—it's a place of constant movement and life. The site is technically Piazza Vigliena, a small octagonal square formed by the intersection of the two main historic streets, Via Maqueda and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The four corner facades are magnificent examples of Palermitan Baroque, each one carved into a harmonious, curved space. The four buildings are decorated in four tiers: Fountains representing the four seasons. Statues of the four Spanish kings of Sicily. Statues of the four patron saints of the ancient quarters of Palermo (Agata, Ninfa, Oliva, and Cristina). What makes the Quattro Canti so special is that it acts as the city's living stage. Every time we passed through, there was something else happening—from street performances and singing to small public events. It truly feels like the pulse of Palermo, where the life of the city flows in every direction. It's an essential photo stop and a fantastic place to simply pause, look up at the soaring architecture, and soak up the ever-changing, vibrant atmosphere of the Sicilian capital.

Absolutely stunning and iconic. Quattro Canti is one of those places where you simply have to stop, look up, and take in the incredible architecture. The symmetry, the Baroque details, the statues — everything feels like stepping into a piece of living history. It’s vibrant, full of life, and perfectly located in the heart of Palermo. A must-see for anyone visiting the city. Highly recommended!

Absolutely loved Quattro Canti in Palermo! This iconic Baroque square is like an open-air museum, every corner is a masterpiece. Located at the crossroads of the city’s four historic quarters, it’s where art, history, and urban life come together. The four curved facades are beautifully adorned with statues representing the seasons, Spanish kings, and Palermo’s patron saints, it feels like you’re standing inside a grand theatrical set. Whether you visit during the day or in the evening, the atmosphere is magical. A must-see when in Palermo!

A truly amazing place where architecture and music can be found. I loved the statues on the buildings. It is a must when you visit Palermo. There is usually a musician that plays music in the center. There are vendors who sell spritz like limoncello and Aperol. Just be aware that the vendors will charge more for their drinks for tourists. I was charged 10 euros for a limoncello spritz. The other vendors charge 5 or 3. Try not to get one from one of the aesthetic looking vendors. Go to one of the smaller cafes and avoid over paying all together. From this area you can go any direction and you’ll find shops and more restaurants. It’s a lovely area to enjoy the sights and sounds of Palermo. I would love to come back.

A corner unlike 1 I’ve ever seen. The history behind the statutes is fascination. Nice place to take pictures. Also a great meeting place when traveling with others not staying in your hotel. Close to many other sites, restaurants and stores.

Interesting place to visit, but definitely not worth the ticket price ( €15 + €5 audio guide). There are too many parts unaccessible for visitors. The chapel is very interesting because of rendezvous of collaboration of artists from the Islamic and Christian worlds. I was lucky there was an exhibition of Elliot Erwitt presenting his amazing photography. Be aware that for the audio guide you have to leave your id and there are no earbuds. It’s just and iphone!!!

Spectacular and a must see when visiting Palermo. The lowlight here was that they were doing works and that affected our visit a little bit. But it was still worth to see the building and of course the capilla. I can only recommend visiting this, if you have to choose one place to visit in a short stay in the city, it’s this one.

Waiting time at the ticket counter was around 45 minutes, and admission (€18.50) includes an exhibition that must be booked together. After that, there was another 20–30 minutes of waiting at the entrance. Restrooms cost €0.50 furthermore after the security check (similar to the airport). Inside, there is simply no information at all - no panels, no guides, no interactive features. It is such a pity that the rich history of this place is withheld from visitors. There are also no seats for those who may need a rest. Part of the Cappella Palatina is currently under renovation. That said, the mosaics are truly stunning, often shimmering in gold, within a palace dating back to 1160. Despite these shortcomings, it remains an impressive historic site that is worth experiencing at least once.

Best to buy tickets online. We had to wait in line a long time to buy tickets. Once we had a ticket, there was no wait to get in. I heard that the tour bus rush is in the morning. Best to go in the afternoon. The chapel was incredible. Also, visit Friday-Monday so that you can see the royal apartments. They are worth seeing. Disappointed that the WC wasn’t free.

Just wow! The chapel is exceptional even though it was under renovation. The audio guide is awful and dull. Recommend to generate your own using Wikipedia and NotebookLM. The royal apartments also have some beautiful rooms and mosaics. After 10am the queue at the ticket office was getting pretty long even end of October.

Well, impressive murals in the chapel, but half of the display was being renovated and behind screens. Then the royal apartments on the second floor were closed - only open at the weekend. The gardens are nice, but… so of the three things you buy your ticket to see you get one and a half. Disappointing.

Wow, talk about popular! Even with online tickets bought beforehand, I waited an hour to get in! And inside also, there were lines and crowds everywhere! The Palatine Chapel was really worth it though, just amazing! Other things to see includes the Norman Rooms, Sicilian Regional Assembly room, temp modern art exhibits, there was a Picasso exhibit when I was there, and the gardens outside and the ruins downstairs were mildly interesting.

Very limited things you can see. Most of the places are not allowed for entry (unless you have a special exhibition ticket). Be aware: The most famous Jesus mosaic is currently under construction! There is a nice little garden you can go and rest.

Its big but beautiful. You can see the combination of the three ruling ethnicities on Sicily in the palace. I advise to buy tickets online, then you have no wait. The queue for the ticket office spans the whole east to west of Sicily

It was worth the price (around 20€ per person). You also have a temporary exhibition (photos gallery) from an artist. You can spend almost two hours inside.

Most of the Chapel and Palace N/A for viewing (either in scaffolds, or just NO WAY for the visitors). Chapel is in need for restoration , no doubt, long due. Online ticket asked to arrive 15 min earlier for security check, however the staff didn't want you earlier . Staff didn't care about the money, that visitors paid, behaved angry and rudely towards strangers (bold man on the photos), but spending time kissing each other and having fun.

The Palatine Chapel blends Byzantine, Norman, and Arab art like no other. The golden mosaics are stunning, and the wooden muqarnas ceiling is breathtaking. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, a powerful symbol of Sicily’s multicultural past.

Worth seeing! Same beautiful mosaiscs as in the Monreal cathedral but mixed with baroque art. Fun fact - all the marzipan fruits you see in Palermo - it all began here!

The Cappella Palatina is a breathtaking 12th-century chapel built by King Roger II inside the Norman Palace. Its golden Byzantine mosaics, the famous scene of Roger crowned by Christ, the Arabic wooden ceiling, and Norman architecture create a stunning fusion of cultures. A true masterpiece and an absolute must-see in Palermo.

The Pretoria Fountain is a masterpiece of Renaissance art that has been both lauded and reviled since its inception. This beautiful fountain, often dubbed the "Fountain of Shame" by locals due to its numerous nude sculptures, exemplifies the city's rich heritage and creative flare. Originally designed for a Florentine nobleman's private gardens, the fountain underwent considerable changes after being acquired by the Palermo Senate in 1574. Its transfer to the center of the city, Piazza Pretoria, sparked both appreciation and criticism. The abundance of naked images portraying gods, goddesses, nymphs, and legendary animals sparked concern among Palermo's more conservative people. The fountain's elaborate form, which consists of three concentric circular basins, is a masterwork of late Renaissance sculpture with clear Florentine influences. The highest basin is the smallest, and the lowermost is the largest. The ensemble is decorated with various statues and smaller fountains, resulting in a visually magnificent display. Visitors can freely observe this prominent sight at any time of day or night. However, daylight hours provide the best circumstances for observing the complex features of the sculptures. As evening falls, the fountain is lighted in a most fascinating way, casting a mystical spell over its watchers.

A beautiful square with an impressive fountain at its center. The atmosphere is lively and charming. At the moment, some renovation work is ongoing, but it’s still well worth a visit.

Beautiful fountain in the heart of Palermo! The sculptures are impressive and full of detail, and the square around it feels very lively. A must-see stop when exploring the city’s historic

Lovely piazza, with the stunning Fontana della Vergogna at its center, a masterpiece of marble sculptures featuring gods, nymphs, and animals. The surrounding architecture, including the City Hall and nearby churches, adds to the square’s historic charm. Piazza Pretoria has also appeared in several films and series, including the recent version of Il Gattopardo and Netflix’s Ripley, which makes it feel even more cinematic in person. A beautiful and iconic stop while exploring the city!

Stunning fountain ⛲️. But it was under renovation unfortunately when we got there 😪. Still we got the vipes ✨️🇮🇹

Sadly in renovations right now but you can still get a glimpse of how amazing it must be! Very detailed statues made out of Carrara marble and the fountain is incredibly large too! At its top you can find the protector saint of Palermo, Santa Rosalia. It consists of 644 pieces shipped from Florence to Palermo.

I came across the Fontana Pretoria (Fontana della Vergogna) in front of the Town Hall in the Piazza Pretoria. Just amazing to go around and see the outstanding carvings! It was commissioned in 1554 for a villa in Florence and later transported here to Sicily. It has more than 50 white marble statues of mythological figures. It was nicknamed the "Fountain of Shame" due to all the nude statues!

This museum is truly extraordinary. The collection spans the entire history of Sicily, from the earliest indigenous cultures to the Greek period and beyond, with artifacts and treasures that are nothing short of breathtaking. What I loved most is that it’s not overwhelming. Everything is displayed on a single floor, making it very easy to navigate while still feeling incredibly rich in detail. The explanations are clear and highly informative, with descriptions also provided in English, which made the experience seamless as an English speaker. Every piece tells a story and gives you a sense of the deep roots of Sicilian culture. If you’re a history lover, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and significance of ancient civilizations, this is an absolute must-visit. Truly unforgettable.

What a gem to find nestled in Palermo! You could happily spend an hour rushing through, but why? Their are thousands of items to pore over and be amazed by. 2700 year old pieces of history right before your eyes!!!!!

Great place if you want to understand the ancient history of Sicily. Truly unique artefacts. Everything is in English as well so it's easy to understand.

This is extremely well laid out museum with clear labels and interesting explanatory notes in English and Italian. Not too big, set in an ornate building.

It was fun walking in and spending a little time at the turtle pond before going further. There were several pieces that I really enjoyed focusing on, I spent about an hour here.

That's exactly how a museum should be, every single explanation and by every single i really mean it has a proper translation into english and the panels are big so nobody has to force their eyes, every single object well described, big halls with very well displayed exhibitions about how the temple's decoration would be back at the time, vr devices, really classy bar with fair prices, toilettes and gift shop with good prices too, not expensive ticket, to be fair it seems that there was a second floor that was closed and no indications whatsoever....it's a small but in a overall really enjoyful experience

Small collection of very old holdings from antiquity. Family of turtles in the fountain a great touch! Souvenirs unsurprisingly very pricey.

Its the armpit and hidden gemstones of Palermo.. some spots are good to dodge and the rest are lined with absolute treasures. Street food scene amongst the top i've ever seen whereas Lima, Peru is the mecca of fine dinning..this is just rich in everything from wines, bites and beautiful people. More to see...

La Vucciria in Palermo is a vibrant mix of market chaos and street food magic. I walked in through what felt like a fish market, with the smell of fresh seafood grilling right in front of me. You choose your fish from the display — I went for octopus, swordfish, aubergine, and a burger — all perfectly cooked and full of flavor. The setting is raw and authentic, with great music and a buzzing local vibe. It’s not fancy, but that’s the charm. A must if you want to taste real Sicilian street food in a truly local atmosphere.

I would say giving 2 stars is me being nice being that I caught a minor case of food poisoning after eating some octopus from one of the street vendors and on top of that it didn’t taste like anything but boiled octopus with lemon. Probably nice to take photos for street photography but other than that nothing more.

Lively traditional food market. You’ll find all the produce and fish you can imagine and more …

My favourite go to for lunch and people watch it come at night for the nightlife, music and dancing

Gritty, authentic, a must-tick box. As with any hot tourist pull, have perseverance and walk at least 5 minutes down to find the best street food deals, more calm, less chaos. Emphasis on fresh fish: you point, you sit at a rickety table, they cook it up and serve you. €5 for a typical, shareable portion at the further-down joints.

Small food market with traditional Sicilian food that you must visit. All dishes are 5€. If you sit down at a table, you also pay "servizio". Of course, there is also a good selection of drinks like spritzes and spremute.

The waitress was an absolute delight! She took a great care for everything and help me with every request I had. The food was tasty, just like the dessert. I really enjoyed this place and would recommend it aswell (in the jungle of bars and restaurants on that street this was a right choice)

Lovely, slightly larger cafè and restaurant on a very pleasant commercial street, an extension of Via Emmanuelle towards the bay. Wonderful coffees and pastries, and a nice looking but simple menu with a little something for everyone, including salads. I went back to try their Caesar Salad and it was terrific; lots of most chicken, crispy lettuce and the right amount of tasty dressing. Has both indoor and outdoor seating. They take care of you with good service and good food!

I had a lot of cannoli in sicilia but THIS ONE was definitely the best. The absolute best! Not only it's gluten free (yes, gluten free!) but the ricotta filling is freshly made and literally heavenly. I'm not an expert but I can definitely tell the difference between a delicious cannolo and a normal one, especially when I'm having a slow morning breakfast by myself. Highly recommended!

We stopped at this bakery, and I'm so happy we did! Their cannoli is out of this world. I've been eating cannoli all over Palermo for the past few days, and this was honestly the best one I've had. We also tried a piece of a special Palermo cake. It was absolutely delicious! Do yourself a favor and get a cannolo or cake or anything else—you won't regret it.

A very tasty, delicious and comfortable place! With good attention and the food was fantastic. Spent 9 days in Palermo and went to have breakfast - lunch in there about 5 or 6 times. Cappuccino was glorious! I just loved it!! Thanks to Mariana and Vincenzo! 🫶🏻 Have to come back.

Amazing little "pub" (such as Italian call Cafe houses). You can have nice breakfasts, a qucik lunch, several coctails, amazing and delish dessserts, wines and excellent service. Inside and outside tableservice.

Undercooked Eggs Benedict, lacked taste, server forgot we ordered, another server almost brought us someone else's order, took over 30 minutes for the food to arrive. Do not recommend, unless you have no other options.

Guided tour on the hour from 9am is only means of access. Friendly guide but echoey rooms and her Italian accent made understanding challenging. The tour felt rushed, and there was no unaccompanied time allowed in the rooms. Would have liked to linger to look at the drawings and words written by those incarcerated during the Inquisition. Instead took lots of photos to look at later, including of text which I'll have to translate.

React! Guttuso painted "La Vucchiria" in 1974 and donated the painting, as a gift, to his friend, the rector of the University of Palermo. Today, they've hijacked the painting and are profiting from it in ways its author never did. They've turned a selfless tribute to the city into a mandatory guided tour that costs 8 euros and is held every hour, lasting 45 minutes. La Vucchiria is the last room. And, what do you not interested in learning about the building's inquisitorial history? A university, a center of universal knowledge and culture, shouldn't be like this. Guttuso's La Vucchiria should be freely accessible to everyone, thus respecting the genesis of the work conceived by its author.

This museum is well worth the visit. The guided tour is informative and gives you a thorough history of the palace. Our tour guide, Michela, was very knowledgeable and helpful during the visit. We enjoyed her insights!

I visited Palazzo Steri in Palermo and had a great experience. The guided tour was much more interesting than I expected. Our guide – I think her name was Helena or Eleni (sorry) – was excellent. Her English was very good, and she clearly knew a lot about the history of the place. She explained everything in a very engaging way and answered all the questions with detail and enthusiasm. I definitely recommend visiting if you’re in the area.

The palazzo itself is very nice and full of history but the visit is mandatory guided, cost 20 € for 2 persons and last only 40mn with the impression that the guide want to expedite quickly. It is high price for such a short and very limited visit.

So interesting! 3 main parts: 1. The prisoners' cells from the time of the Inquisition when anyone could find themselves locked up by the Church - possibly because you were of the wrong religion (in the eyes of the Inquisitors) or possibly because your neighbour wanted your house and accused you of wrong-doing so you'd be sent to this prison. The 'graffiti' drawn by the prisoners is at the other end of the spectrum from the gold mosaics of Palazzo Reale and Mondello but it is just as compelling and memorable. 2. Parts of the house which belonged to the Chiaramonte family who were so important they even had their own style of architecture and decoration. 3. An exhibition which is centred around a famous painting of Vucciria market. You have to take a guided tour which is included in the price. It departs on the hour. We were the only ones on our tour. We told our excellent guide - Daniele - that we were learning Italian and he was brilliant at speaking slowly and doing English when it was needed. I'm sure they are used to offering different languages. We bought a combined ticket for 12€ with the Botanical gardens - for that you also get an audio tour and map of the gardens which made them even better.

Wonderful tour guides, the graffiti was amazing to see. A lot of history here, I recommend a visit!

A calm place in an otherwise busy and loud city! Very nice to relax and enjoy the view on a bench or near the pond with turtles. In the shades it is also much cooler!

Nice park for a stroll in the shade. Interesting items at the weekend flea market.

Relaxing and beautiful park with amazing historic trees! Great place to read a book and enjoy the city

A beautiful and peaceful place right in the heart of Trapani. The garden is well-maintained, full of greenery, and perfect for a relaxing walk or a short break during the day. Calm atmosphere, clean paths, and plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the surroundings. A lovely spot to escape the city noise for a moment.

very nice place to escape the busy city life of palermo, me and my girl were totally mesmerized by the turtle pool in the middle. also the trees with roots growing from above into the ground was quite something!

Beautiful park in Palermo with amazing trees . If you go on a Sunday you can visit a lovely flea market with many interesting things

Small park with lovely atmosphere and great big trees. Several benches to sit down, trees available to climb and explore for kids. Nice and quiet place, very pleseant and trees are just mesmerising.

The palace houses an art gallery. It's usually open until 7:00 PM (except on Mondays, when it's closed to tourists), and admission costs €10 (as of November 2025). Guidebooks describe it as the largest and most important art gallery in Sicily, but its offerings are significantly smaller than those of the most significant art galleries on the Italian mainland. During my afternoon visit, I was literally the only visitor. The place sometimes feels quite empty, as the vast halls house a relatively small number of works.

Originally the home of a leading citizen, this is a very large palace which now hosts an extensive collection of Renaissance art. Although it can't compete with collections in places such as Firenze or Rome, it is still a very respectable exhibition and is well worth a visit. It's on several floors, and there is a lift (elevator). There are decent toilets.

Ok museum. Basically composed of three bigger rooms. "The triumph of death" was great to see, but the ticket costs 10€ and it's a pretty quick experience. If you take into account the prices for most art museums in Europe, that have much more to offer, this one was pretty overpriced and underwhelming.

Do you like spending 8 hours a day on your cell phone? Do you like to completely ignore your patrons? Do you like to occasionally yell "Attention Mister" for no apparent reason? Do you like to sorround yourself with priceless art while completing crossword puzzles? Do you have an overall grumpy attitude?? If so, a job at Palazzo Abatatellis Is for you!!

This was one of the many palazzi in Palermo. One that is a little unknown maybe? So many works. So little people. Great information in every room on the artwork. Many at least 500-600 years old. Take a look at the photos. Mine and others. You get a great sense of the building. And the art. So well preserved and presented too. A must

I really liked this museum. It is not big , but is is situated in very nice building ( properly palazzo Abatellis) and has a nice collection of religious paintings, wood carvings and marble statues and bareliefs . Also the restorators are working directly in the museum halls. We had a chance to see the process of art restoration

Very beautiful paintings (and air condition)

Interesting place but be very careful of the places with food out front and no menu. I was charged €14 for a limoncello spritz and small plate of Sicilian eggplant. The customers next to me were charged €23 for bread and a bottle of beer each. That place was a tourist ripoff.

Our first Sicilian market experience and it didn't let us down. Lots of vendors yelling and singing at each other. Some fresh and not so fresh produce on offer. The punnets of strawberries were starting to ferment in the heat, juicy though. A lot of the stalls were selling the same tourist items but there was a lot of fresh food vendors too.

Visited Mercato del Capo while in Palermo. The atmosphere was lively and chaotic in the best way, with stalls selling fresh seafood, produce, cheeses, and street snacks. Grabbed some fritto misto di mare — tasty and only €5. It gets busy, but that’s part of the fun and energy. Overall, a fantastic place to get lost and dive into true local flavors. Saluti

Pretty place, lots of the exact same products between different stalls, food is decent, most of it is fried. Vegetables, fruits, aperol, souvenirs, jars of pestos and pastes, spices and some pasta is sold here.

The Mercato del Capo is one of the essential experiences in Palermo. Walking through this vibrant, historic market is like stepping into the city's lively, beating heart—it’s loud, colorful, and completely authentic. We spent time walking through the bustling stalls and taking in the incredible atmosphere. The market is packed with fresh produce, fish, meats, and street food. The quality is exceptionally high, which we proved with a simple purchase: the pomegranate juice I had here was truly the best in the world! It was incredibly fresh and vibrant, likely due to the season. I also bought a selection of herbs to bring back home to Germany, a perfect, flavorful souvenir. Beyond shopping, the market is a fantastic place for people-watching. It's fascinating to see the locals interacting with the vendors, hearing the calls of the stall owners, and witnessing the daily hustle and bustle. The energy is infectious. If you are looking for an authentic taste of Palermitan life, want to buy incredibly fresh ingredients, or just want the best fruit juice you've ever had, Mercato del Capo is a must-visit.

Very traditional and clean and safe, lots local foods and pastries

A few street food vendors and small stores selling seafood and daily goods. I only walked by, as I didn’t feel it’s worth spending more time there.

One of the Most Beautiful Churches I’ve Ever Visited Absolutely stunning! Be sure to get the full ticket – the view from the rooftop is breathtaking. It’s best to visit right when it opens, as it can get quite crowded later with large tour groups arriving by bus.

The Duomo di Monreale is one of the most extraordinary cathedrals I have ever visited — a true masterpiece of Norman architecture in Sicily. Located on a hill overlooking Palermo, the cathedral impresses from the moment you arrive with its majestic exterior and breathtaking panoramic views of the valley below. The interior is simply unforgettable. Every inch of the walls and ceilings is covered in magnificent golden mosaics, telling biblical stories with incredible artistry and precision. The image of Christ Pantocrator in the apse radiates a spiritual power that leaves a lasting impression. The combination of Norman, Byzantine, and Arab influences creates a unique and harmonious atmosphere that reflects Sicily’s rich cultural history. Don’t miss the cloister, a peaceful courtyard surrounded by elegant arches and beautifully carved columns — each one different, a true work of art. It’s a perfect place to take a quiet moment and admire the craftsmanship. Visiting Duomo di Monreale feels like stepping into another time. It’s not just a church; it’s a treasure of world heritage and one of the most remarkable places in Italy.

Monreale’s Duomo is an architectural masterpiece, yet what truly makes the experience unforgettable is the atmosphere. Unlike the more heavily trafficked Palermo Cathedral, the Monreale Cathedral feels like its quiet, intensely spiritual twin. It’s significantly less crowded, allowing for a far more contemplative and local experience, where you often see more residents than tourists. If the Palermo Cathedral is a grand fortress, Monreale’s Duomo is a perfectly preserved jewel box. Its Arab-Norman architecture beautifully showcases the incredible fusion of cultures that defined 12th-century Sicily, a signature style shared with its counterpart in Palermo. The defining feature of the interior is, of course, the breathtaking, unified cycle of Byzantine gold mosaics. They shimmer with an ethereal light and tell Biblical stories across thousands of square meters, dominated by the majestic, compassionate figure of the Christ Pantocrator in the apse. Being able to view these mosaics without the crush of large tour groups is a privilege that truly enhances their impact. The experience here feels much more authentic and tied to the local community. The square outside, the adjacent cloisters with their intricate columns (another must-see), and the church itself feel like an active place of worship and local pride, rather than just a historic site. This sense of peace and intimacy makes Monreale an essential stop, providing a deeper connection to Sicily’s magnificent Norman heritage than you might find in the bustling city center. It’s a powerful experience for those looking for grandeur on a more human scale.

An absolutely extraordinary cathedral and one of the most impressive churches I have ever visited. The Cathedral of Monreale is breathtaking from the moment you enter—every surface shines with golden mosaics, creating a unique and unforgettable atmosphere. The mix of light, color, and detail is simply spectacular. The interior feels like a fusion of cultures, where Norman, Byzantine, and Arab influences come together in perfect harmony. A bit of history & curiosities: • The cathedral was built in the 12th century by William II of Sicily, who wanted to create a monument that would rival the greatest churches of the Mediterranean. • It is famous for its 6,400 square meters of Byzantine mosaics, among the largest and most complete collections in the world. • At the center of the apse, the enormous Christ Pantocrator is one of the most iconic images in Christian art. • The architecture reflects Sicily’s multicultural history: Norman structure, Byzantine mosaics, and Arab decorative patterns all coexist in the same space. • The cathedral is part of the UNESCO World Heritage ensemble of Arab-Norman monuments in Palermo and Monreale.

Stunningly beautiful Norman cathedral in Monreale, the birthplace of my wife’s grandmother and locale where her grandparents lived before emigrating to Rochester, NY in 1902. Wish we could have spent more time in Monreale, but we enjoyed seeing this wonderful cathedral. Definitely do the tower walk, worth the money.

Absolutely a must to visit ,truly beautiful and a joy to walk around even if your not religious. Light airy resembles the ceilings of the Sistine chapel . Uplifting experience and real bird of paradise plants in the square.

This was an incredible place to visit. The outside of the building holds a beautiful exterior that is quite moving. We were blown away by it. It was also great to climb up onto the roof. Just note that if you are scared of heights or claustrophobic and/or not used to walking up and down steps you could struggle here. The parking was a bit of an experience but the total experience was worth it. We purchased tickets when we got there and there was no queue. Very recommended.

better preserved than the one in Paris. No need to que for long. Can take credit card for ticket payment. The actual entrance is near the shop, not the gate, dont miss.

So incredible! If for no other reason go too see the old clothes worn by the deceased. About a 30-40 minute tour through it. Little Rosalia was difficult to see. You had to stand behind a barrier and could not easily look in to see her sweet face. You cannot take photos. Getting there was a pain. We took an expensive taxi to and from central Palermo to get there. (Worth it) Afterwords, tour the adjacent Cappuccini Cemetery above it. A wonder of art and beauty. My husband was in awe of the number of flowers relations leave for family members.

Incredible sight, incredible preservation of history. Macabre, humbling, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I wish they had more signs perhaps with some context for the people interred there, but it was still interesting.

The Cappuchin Crypt / Catacombs is the right place to come for something totally spooky and unique! I loved my visit contemplating death and seeing the outfits over the skeletons of people dead for hundreds of years. Amazing!

The place is both moving and unsettling — corridors lined with mummies and skeletons dressed in centuries-old clothing, from children to clergymen and members of the upper class. That said, the site feels a bit neglected — dust, wear on the displays, and a lack of clear explanations in foreign languages make it harder to fully grasp the historical value. If you’re looking for something truly unusual, it’s a must-see — but for the sensitive eye and heart, it can also be quite disturbing.

I highly recommend! Very unique with lots of cool history!! There are not many plaques explaining the history so I recommend doing some reading up on it beforehand so you have greater insight when in there. We didn't buy tickets in advance and showed up when it opened again in the afternoon. There was a long line when we got there. We bought tickets and went in about 20-30 min afterwards. So, show up early! But they move through people pretty quickly. No photos or videos are allowed. Don't be a douche in there. It's a solemn and macabe experience.

Interesting experience. There was quite a queue but once the catacombs re-opened after lunch, it moved quickly. It took me 20 minutes or so to walk through. The best-preserved bidy of the little girl was barely visible as it was very dark.

This garden is a wonderful place to explore, especially on a warm day. The shaded paths and lush environment offer a peaceful spot to cool off. There’s an impressive variety of Mediterranean plants, trees, and succulents—perfect for nature lovers or anyone curious about regional flora. The on-site café with outdoor seating adds to the relaxing atmosphere. Tip: Bring some insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be present in certain areas. Highly recommended for a tranquil and affordable break!

Fantastic potential, but sadly run down. The entrance is well looked after and looks impressive. However, the deeper you go the more neglected the place is. Dying plants, rampant weeds, and cracking concrete unfortunately ruin what could be an oasis of vegetation in the city. The complaint may seem trivial, but the fact that there is an entrance fee means they are generating income, it just seems like it’s been allocated to places other than maintenance. Overall, I would recommend spending time elsewhere in Palermo.

The most wonderful botanical garden, a need to visit! A vast collection of plants, wonderful walkways and one-of-a-kind exhibitions (currently). The gift shop also sells really cute things, books are sadly all in italian.

We visited the Palermo Botanical Garden and absolutely loved it. It’s peaceful, full of life, and somehow feels timeless. Walking under those huge old trees, surrounded by exotic plants and quiet corners, you forget you’re right in the middle of the city.

Absolutely beautiful botanical garden. There's a stunning variety of plants and the gardens are so peaceful and calming to walk through. The ficus ginseng tree planted in 1845 is stunning. This was my favourite thing we did in Palermo outside of eating incredible food.

Unlike some of the negative reviews, I actually like the rough state of the garden. It has cool post apocalyptic vibe and its style fits perfectly with the rest of the city. Most of the plants are in good condition. The only downside for me are the mosquitoes

We loved wandering around this garden. Spent about 90 minutes there. At 17:30 on a Thursday it was super quiet, only a few other visitors, so a good time to go. If you go, make sure you see Italy's "Tree of the Year 2022" - it's #20 on the map and we have never seen anything quite like it - it's incredible.

Beautiful place with amazing views. It’s truly worth visiting. You can go by bus here.

Beautiful area for rock climbing in the summer because it’s mostly shaded. It was disappointing for cycling because the road on the west side was gated off.

A Stunning Destination for Adventure Seekers If you're someone who loves adventure, Mount Pellegrino is the perfect place for you. This magnificent rocky mountain not only offers a thrilling experience but also provides a sense of peace and tranquility that's hard to find elsewhere. The rugged terrain is ideal for those who enjoy hiking and exploring nature in its raw form. Don't forget to pack some food with you, as the breathtaking views from the summit are best enjoyed with a little picnic. Whether you're seeking adventure or just a serene escape, Mount Pellegrino has something special to offer.

The harbour of Palermo, Italy, abuts Mount Pellegrino (606 meters) to the north. The pink Castello Utveggio (1933) on a promontory to the left was originally a hotel but is now a conference center.

Beautiful place with amazing views. It’s truly worth visiting. If you don’t feel like hiking to the top and you don’t have your own car/scooter, you can go by bus (luckily) - just check the schedule prior! On the top is small restaurant and stalls with souvenirs so don’t forget to take money with ya.

Absolutely stunning place :) very easy to go with the local bus. Theres also some hiking available in the place. Definitely worth going :)

Monte Pellegrino, rising majestically above Palermo, Italy, is a breathtaking natural wonder. Its rugged cliffs, lush vegetation, and panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea create an unforgettable experience. Whether you hike its trails, explore its caves, or simply admire it from afar, Monte Pellegrino is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

For me the view from the roof was great. The stewards in the church and monastery were helpful and polite. I wish I could say the same about the ladies serving behind the counter at the bakery. Perhaps it’s too busy. Other than the physical location at the monastery I found the bakery touristic. To buy pastries I would personally recommend to try and find a more genuine bakery. The small garden in the courtyard is lovely, though.

Small church (undergoing restoration s of September 2025) but still worth the visit. We bought the more expensive ticket (10€) to go to the church, monastery and on to the roof. This was worth it for the city views as we couldn’t access the main cathedral roof due to a Sunday service was ongoing. The bakery has many sweet treats and they are big and tasty. Of course you pay for the cannoli by weight so the big ones cost more!

We visited the Church and Monastery of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria in the heart of Palermo. It was truly a revelation. From the outside, it looks almost unassuming, but step inside and you’re greeted by an extraordinary Baroque interior overflowing with stucco, marble, and gilded ornamentation. The sheer level of detail is breathtaking. It’s one of those places where your eyes don’t know where to rest first. The adjoining monastery offers a quieter, more reflective experience. It’s easy to imagine the cloistered life the nuns once lived here, moving between the peaceful courtyards and the elegant corridors. One of the highlights is climbing up to the terrace, which offers a panoramic view of Palermo. A host of rooftops, domes, and the mountains beyond. It’s one of the best viewpoints in the city. This visit was one of our favorites in Palermo — a blend of art, history, and tranquility in the middle of the city’s vibrant chaos. Take time to explore both the church and the monastery. The terrace view and the pastries alone are worth the modest entry fee.

Currently under construction, both from the inside and outside. Therefore you don't get to see it's entire beauty for 3€. If you buy the ticket for 8€ you can also visit the monastery. The garden inside is really beautiful!

so beautiful place 🤍 we took tickets to see Church, Monastery and rooftop, really beautiful and peaceful place. Good to see, and very tasty patisserie cafeteria inside after the tour 😜

Incredible church! Very unique!! The marble inlays are incredible. Also, there was a pass-through turnstile for the nuns to provide things into the church.

Great baroque church with 3€ entrance per person. It's still accessible except the altar area, which is covered with a high green fence. All of the paintings and decorations are available together with the fake remains of the Saint.

Wonderful old and historic theater in central Palermo. Not really comfortable seating, but good sight lines and acoustics. Reasonable prices.

The place was full of tourists i liked it , beautiful full of shops and coffeeshops, basically its a big place and its near to many things

Visited Teatro Politeama Garibaldi while in Palermo, and it was a delightful find. The neoclassical architecture from the late 1800s is stunning, and we loved wandering around and taking in all the details. Knowing it’s home to the Orchestra Sinfonica Siciliana adds even more cultural weight to the experience. Overall, a rewarding and worthwhile stop while exploring the city. Saluti!

The Teatro Politeama Garibaldi is one of Palermo's most striking and recognizable landmarks, and even if you don't attend a performance, the building itself is an absolute must-see. The building is a gorgeous example of 19th-century Neoclassical architecture, instantly recognizable by its triumphal arch entrance and the magnificent bronze sculpture atop it—a chariot pulled by four horses (the Quadriga). It stands proudly on Piazza Ruggero Settimo, dominating the space and marking a vibrant central point in the city. The elegant, curved facade gives it a sense of grandeur and poise. The Politeama truly comes alive after sunset. As you mentioned, they lighten it up in different, changing colors when it gets dark, which adds a beautiful, modern, and dramatic flair to the historic stone. The colorful illumination transforms the entire piazza into a lively, photogenic spot perfect for an evening stroll or an aperitivo nearby. It's an ideal place to pause, take pictures of its grand architecture, and soak up the chic atmosphere of modern Palermo.

Attended a performance a few days ago. It hurts to see such a glorious building in disrepair. I hope they renovate the structure since it is worth saving. A word of advise, finding one's seat is not so easy up in the galleries. Perhaps have a staff member help people up there. It seems many were confused regardless being locals or visitors. As for the performance, it was wonderful! Thank you 😊

My mother and I had a really great experience with the guided tour today! The young man and woman who lead our tour (university students) were very kind, professional, friendly and knowledgeable. I wish them the best of luck with their work and university studies :)

Beautiful historical building. The tour was awesome, it was only 3 euros. This building has a more experience guide than the one from Massimo honestly. She was very informed, told us a lot of details. We found a lot of interesting details and we entered in all the rooms. It has also a richer history than Massimo. The place could use some renovation and restoration but the guide told us all the money go into the biggest theater. It is a pity as this one has way more history and it is far more interesting than that one. Beautiful place, totally recommend visiting it, spectacular view from the terrace, panoramic view of the city.

The park is actually beautiful and a nice place to start exploring Palermo, but it doesn't really provide much shade and nothing seems to be working as it's not very visited. Probably better when not in scorching heat hours... Entrance is free, but note this is not the botanical garden.

Nice decent size park, next to Botanical garden. Plenty of benches to sit on, but not many in shadow if looking to hide on a hot day. It's also gets locked up in evening so check times before going.

This beautiful park is near the seafront and next to the Botanical Garden. It actually was the first public garden in Palermo. You must come here to see its elegant Neoclassical exedrae in semicircular structure with recesses, which stand around the fountain in the centre of the park. Very unusual statue in the fountain in the centre. Along the avenues there are busts of famous personages of the city. Feast for the eye and your soul is resting here... among the Art and History. Splendor!

Rundown, needs attention. The bones are good, but the plantings (weeds) could use some love. Has the potential to be lovely

Villa Giulia (Park) Villa Giulia is a peaceful park along the boulevard and near the beach, offering a slightly deserted feel but with beautiful sculptures of Roman gods and ancient trees. Despite the quietness, it’s a lovely place to walk through and appreciate the statues and lush greenery.

Lovely, quiet gardens, a refuge from the often clamorous Palermo streets.

Great park, sadly is abandoned and not well maintained. We enjoyed walking around 👍

The Ballarò Market in Palermo is a true gem!❤️ This place is a must-visit for anyone who loves fresh food. I was amazed by the huge variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and the food stalls were incredible. I enjoyed some amazing grilled meat and fresh fish, and the juices were fantastic. It's an exceptional place to experience the local culture and taste some of the best food Palermo has to offer. Highly recommended!nice nice place 🥰🥰🥰

We found ourselves entering the main market street from the south west and used the ornate dome of the Chiesa del Carmine Maggiore as a visual aid to find Balero Market to save having my phone out for maps all the time. Some of the streets in the area have locals peddling things from their apartments right on the street, spread on blankets or benches. Then you reach the market proper. It's a few hundred metres long and mostly on one long narrow street with stalls on both sides selling the usual tourist stuff but also loads of fresh-ish fruit and vegetables, spices and blends and street food aplenty. It can be an over stimulating environment for those who feel any type of claustrophobia or cannot deal with tight crowds and lots of noise but the overall atmosphere was very jovial and friendly with plenty smiles and singing vendors. We played it saved with a couple of packets of pasta spices and fridge magnets. My advice for the streetfood is only to eat it if you can actually watch your portion being cooked, to make sure it's fresh and hot. We had a great time and found that trying a little broken Italian got us slightly better prices 😬

Ballarò Market is an absolute must-visit in Palermo. We were in the city working with our ImmerTwin team and everyone told us we had to go – they were right. The atmosphere is incredible: noisy, lively, full of locals, with stalls piled high and the smell of real traditional Sicilian food everywhere. We had an amazing lunch there, the food was exceptional and freshly prepared right in front of us. Tip: always ask to see the prices or a menu before ordering, just so there are no surprises on the bill. We left with full stomachs, big smiles, and some really lovely photos – highly recommended for the experience alone.

A lively and vibrant market probably best represent Palermo. Be mindful this is not a glamorous tourist spot but a very local down to earth market. You will be surrounded by the booming music, yelling vendors, dancing shop owners and also smelly fish and smoky BBQ… Very affordable price but the restaurant there is not as decent as those on the main road. We prefer the freshly made fruit juice there. Definitely a place to visit to get a glimpse of the real life in Palermo.

Fun market and absolute chaos. You can eat some tasty snacks for low prices. People are friendly and we felt safe (no pickpockets). If you are ready for a busy chaos I would definitely recommend this!

This was epic, I love food markets and this had everything. Plenty of food stalls with a lot of variety. Fresh produce, touristy souvenirs, dried goods, nuts, beans, meat, cheese, and everything else. Highly recommended

Is this market for real? Or are they just pretending for tourists to be the Sicilian market vendors singing, dancing, cheering, yelling out how their products are the best? Well, we are tourists after all, so let us enjoy this Sicilian market and not doubt its authenticity. But what a market, and this is coming from a Turkish woman who spent so much time wandering around in markets of Istanbul and Turkey. The food was prime, by the way. For 10 Euros/person we had great lunch of sauseges and kokoreç with local Sicilian beer. Joy and good food.

A true masterpiece in the heart of Palermo. The church is filled with breathtaking marble work and incredible art in every corner. With a ticket, you can enjoy a small guided tour near the altar and visit a 2 floor museum. The museum is small but the church is really worthy. A wonderful and enriching experience that’s well worth the visit.

Very impressive More than 2000 sculptors have modeled more than 100 figures. In the 1950s, the ceiling, which was destroyed during the war, was renovated. Based on black and white photos, the painter has released the colors. Note Snoop Dig as Jesus in the big window at the end 🤪

This is a must-see church! Absolutely breathtaking sculptures, windows, colors, and detail everywhere. This church is an excellent example of the baroque style of architecture.

Absolutely beautiful!!! The artwork, marble statues and carvings were extremely impressive and definitely a sight to see. The festive activities outside the Church were in full celebration to commemorate Italy’s Liberation Day.

Absolutely stunning church! Looks like it was recently restored, perfect condition. We came in and a wedding was about to start, so we couldn’t get the full extent, but we were able to sit in rear pews to admire the church

This is the most beautiful and elegant church I've ever seen. I've long dreamed of visiting it, and it's finally happened—it's magical. It's breathtakingly beautiful. The delicate mosaic designs are stunning.Made from various shades of marble. A fantastic feat of human art.

The building facade is unassuming and you might walk by without even noticing it, but the inside is stunning. A baroque style design with a generous use of marbles. Worth stopping by.

7€ to see a courtyard Was cute but other than the 3 red domes and the cute courtyard Sure it was an interesting setting but 7€ you can visit much interesting/pretty/ overall aesthetically worthy places

A beautiful and tranquil medieval ruin. Although the entrance fee is a little on the steep side, it's an amazing place to take your time admiring the architecture and relaxing in the shade.

Ticket 8€ /person is too expensive and nothing interesting inside

Not much to see for the price inside. Quite plain inside with a beautiful mosaic floor. Has a fun history - it used to be a post office!

Important part of the Sicilian heritage dating back from the Byzantine Empire! This place is giving you a different view of all churches and places you can see in the city. Worth seeing it as it is near the main attractions. The entrance is €6 per person over 18 and you would need approximately 30 minutes. It is a nice place to refresh in a hot summer day in Palermo.

One of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, very close to the nearby Norman Palace. I wouldn't recommend this place as a must-see but if you have a particular interest in Arab-Norman architecture a visit is worthwhile. Please note you cannot climb up the bell tower from this church.

San Giovanni degli Eremiti was once a Church and a Monastery. Later the gardens were made in an exotic style. It is a nice place to relax and come down from the city noise. There were not a lot of tourists. The entrance costs 6 Euro for adults and 3 Euros for people under 25 Years old.

Porta Nuova, which means "New Gate," is a famous historical monument and the entrance to Palermo, Sicily. It is located at the northern end of the Norman Palace, at the beginning of Corso Calatafimi, and serves as the entryway to the Cassaro, the city's oldest and most important avenue. According to historian Tommaso Fazello, the first gate was built in the 15th century and was known as Porta dell'Aquila, or Eagle Gate. However, the people of Palermo lovingly renamed it Porta Nuova, a name that has remained. This aristocratic entrance received extensive renovations in the sixteenth century to commemorate Emperor Charles V's victory against the Ottoman Turks in Tunis. A catastrophic explosion in 1667 nearly destroyed the gate, but it was later reconstructed under the expert supervision of Gaspare Gruccio, who also created the sculptures. The façade facing Piazza Indipendenza is ornamented with four powerful pillars, each with images of Moors conquered by the brave Charles V. Visitors are welcome to view this architectural gem from the outside at no cost.

A truly beautiful building, remarkable not only for its architectural elegance but also for the layers of history and culture it embodies. Its design reflects both artistic refinement and the social values of the era in which it was created

A landmark which we saw every day while in Palermo and which I really like for its strange beauty. It's a landmark, a gate you can pass through to get into the historical centre of Palermo, so obviously no waiting time or tickets.

Dirty and dangerous outside. Broken sidewalks and steps. Assaulted by street children trying to steal. Then they threw rocks at us. Not a blade of grass in sight. All cacti and palm trees on the outer grounds. One sickly fountain. No security anywhere.

Loved the architecture, I wish there would be some plate to read about the history of this gate.

Porta Nuova is an impressive historic city gate with grand architecture and intricate details. It’s a perfect quick stop to admire Palermo’s history and take a few photos while exploring the city center.

A grand gate busy with traffic and adjacent to the main Palermo Palazzo dei Normanni. Good architectural works on it. It’s next to the palace which is exquisite.

I went with two friends, and we tried the tasting menu. Unfortunately, the food itself was underwhelming — the flavours felt unbalanced, and the sausages were so salty they were almost inedible. Overall, the food felt uninspired; we would have been better off picking something fresh from the farmers market. Service was attentive and friendly, definitely better than the food, and the ambience was fine but nothing remarkable. Regardless, the restaurant was busy and lively, with guests clearly having a good time

First, the positive: An effort was made to provide us with service in French, the food was excellent (except one dish that I talk about in the constructive section) and the wine suggested was excellent. Now, the constructive. We had a reservation; we failed to understand that if we wanted the tasting menu, we had to reserve it too. Our mistake. However no effort was made to help us pick dishes that would give a somewhat comparable experience; they also could have asked the chef (or pretend to ask the chef). Then, after being served our dishes, no one came to see us to inquire if they were ok; the spaghetti dish was undercooked. The service team was clearly overwhelmed and had little to no time for us. We had specified we were celebrating an anniversary, no mention (not looking for more than being wished happy anniversary). We were not offered dessert nor coffee. After 15 minutes waiting we realized we needed to go to the cashier to pay. Not a big deal, just an accumulation of irritants that would not be an issue by themselves, but they added up. Over this trip through Italy and Greece, we ate at several Michelin Bibs. Every time the experience was impeccable. This time, we walked out thinking we could have gone elsewhere and potentially get a better experience.

We booked a month in advance and had been looking forward to this dinner, as it was our honeymoon. At first, the restaurant seemed charming, and we were welcomed with a complimentary starter. But from there, things went downhill. We ordered the chef’s tasting menu. While the food was good—not amazing—it took an incredibly long time between courses. Even worse, the staff didn’t clear our table between dishes. By the time we were served the last course, there was still leftover snail shells from the first dish. To make matters worse, we found a hair in one of the dishes. We weren’t offered any compensation or even an apology, and we were still charged the full amount. Additionally, there was a large Italian group near us loudly singing all night, making the atmosphere feel more like a market than a fine dining experience. I couldn’t even hear my partner speak. For dessert, we were served homemade ice cream, which didn’t impress us at all. Overall, it was quite expensive. We came prepared to pay for a quality meal and experience, but sadly, this evening did not deliver on either.

Absolutely outstanding experience at Buatta Palermo! From the first moment, the hospitality and atmosphere felt truly special elegant yet warm, perfectly reflecting Sicilian charm. Every dish was full of character and flavor, beautifully presented and prepared with real care. The tasting plate and traditional pasta were exceptional, and the freshness of the seafood was remarkable. Service was professional yet friendly, making us feel completely at home. A genuine taste of Sicily authentic, soulful, and unforgettable. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Palermo!

We had the tasting menu, majority of the dishes were seafood. It was good, some of these things I have tried for the first time ever. We went for a dinner and the place was packed, so staff was very busy and they forgot our drinks a couple of times. Worth trying, but probably not for a romantic dinner date.

A restaurant that should be removed from the Michelin guide. Nothing special but high prices. The usual flavors. Same as any other restaurant in the main street. So, no specific reason to go here and pay for more. Way overpriced for what is it. And some of the staff, particularly the main members, feel they are doing a favor to you instead of treating clients friendly. Skip this restaurant.

Worthy holder of a Michelin bib gourmand and hence a relief from the endless streets of indistinguishable tourist restaurants. Offers several distinctive Sicilian dishes. Cheaper then one might expect, given the Michelin review.

Loved the place. The atmosphere is amazing. I ordered desserts and some cookies to go. It was nice. During Christmas holidays it was quite busy and the staff was handling it with a nice smile on their face. You can stay there and enjoy ur time while eating some amazing dessert and drinks.

The panini and coffee were good, and the waiter was friendly and attentive despite a language barrier. Some details could be improved, such as cleaner cutlery and serving water in a proper glass instead of a plastic cup. Overall, a relaxed café that feels more like 3.5 stars, but I’ll round it up to 4

Spinnato dal 1860, an old-school cafe in Palermo on a beautiful tree-lined pedestrian street, is the perfect place for an afternoon drink, a snack, or an aperitivo before dinner. - as well as great people watching! They also have a more modern cafe on the Piazza Castelnuovo, right across the street from the Politeama Theatre.

Great quality and delicious treats, quick and excellent service, affordable prices. A lovely cafe located in a beautiful area. Would definitely recommend this place!

After dinner we stopped in for a coffee and cannoli. Excellent end to the night!

The arancini’s were okay, the coffee was good, the devils food cake was dry and too sweet. The waiter was a bit rude, got our order wrong and still tried to charge us for the extra thing we didn’t order. I wouldn’t recommend, nor would I return.

This cafe has been in operation since 1860. Inside, you have a candy store, full cakes, pastries, ice creams, and dessert sections. Outside, there is a large covered patio. We were served by different servers, which caused a long delay when asking for the bill. Coffee was OK and the desserts freshly made and a bit too sweet.

It's a beautiful church. The artwork is exceptional and is a good example of the history in the area. My suggestion is to clarify when you enter that there is an extra ticket to go onto the roof. You would sell way more tickets if people knew they needed to pay extra upfront.

Breathtakingly gorgeous. Entrance is 3 euros. Well worth it. To walk the 139 stairs to the rooftop costs another 7€, but offers some great views

This church is a must-visit! For only €7, you can explore the rooftop, cupola, sacristy, sanctuary, and the main church. The staff (la gente che lavora lì) are incredibly kind: they explain everything with patience and care. I was the only visitor at the time, yet they never rushed me and even turned on the lights so I could take better photos. Truly a beautiful experience!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Chiesa di San Giuseppe dei Padri Teatini – Palermo Absolutely overwhelming and deeply emotional the moment you step inside. ✨ The beauty, the silence, and the atmosphere fill you with awe and peace. 🙏 An extraordinary piece of culture and architecture — the details, the light, the artistry… everything feels sacred and timeless. 🕊️ A true hidden gem that leaves a lasting impression on the soul. ❤️🇮🇹

One of the best churches I've seen roof top terrace 7 euros well worth the 360 views Church was stunning and down stairs is very old and run down in good way thou

Amazing church to visit as you can go to the roof and have the Palermo city view from the top. But inside of the church won’t disappoint you with its beautiful architecture!

One of the best churches in Palermo, really a must see. Very beautiful inside with intricate decorations and paintings, baroque style. You have to pay to enter, but really it's worth it.

I paid 6 euros to enter with the car, but overall, I was a bit disappointed. I tried entering from the other side, but even with research, I didn’t fully understand how to get in, where to park, or how to reach the beaches. There wasn’t much clear signage or explanation, and I ended up losing a lot of time just figuring things out. The beaches that had more people were very crowded, and the quieter ones were far away and quite hard to access, especially if you wanted to get close to the water. It’s definitely a beautiful area, but not very easy to navigate. If you plan to visit, come prepared for a bit of confusion and a good amount of walking.

Great walking experience through the nature reserve with some wild goats living in the area. The rocks can be used as access to the sea for amazing clear waters for swimming or snorkeling 🤿 or just to relax with a book. It's a very calming area, we enjoyed it a lot! The entrance fee is 1€ per person and 6€ per car, there is a parking lot in the southern area.

Very pretty park with some history, the more you hike the more you will get out of it as the narroe road only gets you so far. 4 stars because there's very unofficial looking people holding a rope at the entry collecting €6 to drive in. The cost doesn't look like it goes to the park though.

A bit hard to find, but if you keep walking along coast from Mondello beach you will stumble upon the entrance to the reserve. We were able to pay 1 euro per person either cash or credit. Beautiful hike! Fairly easy, but there is no shade. Wear sunscreen and bring water. Delightful surprise to see wild goats on the mountains, such a beautiful show of earths beauty!! Also wear or bring a swimsuit! Some spots to sit and sunbath on rocky beaches

Beautiful and easy hike along with ocean views the whole time. Easy to access and find parking.

Entrance for cars is €6, but the road is very bad and full of holes. The nature is beautiful, but overall it’s not worth.

Amazing place for a nice walk with beautiful seaside! You can find yourself a nice place for a beach day aswell, with almost no people.

Great museum, very nice place, excellent selection of Sicilian history - pottery, coins, stamps, huge library. You cannot just walk up and buy a ticket. There are guided tours at certain times of the day. They may list tour times somewhere but we couldn’t find them on line.

I went there mostly because of the display of the oldest Palermitan "Pupi" mariomettes from Cuticchio Theatre family The display is set in several rooms that once were a huge storage back when the palace was a pawn shop.

Extremely well organised must visit. Tour takes 45 minutes with a guide. Tours start at every half hours, you need to plan accordingly. Such an interesting history piece.

Interesting tour and exhibition of a variety of artworks including the surprising collection of marionettes and apparatus from the puppet theatet.

Please, visit this place. The library is beautiful. The puppets are magic. The wooden details in the old pawnshop are fantastic. Just go there.

Lovely museum. Just wish they had a English speaking guide, or at least something written in English.

This is a private museum, only able to be visited by guided tours of approx 40 minutes at set times. The tours are in Italian with only minimal English information. You cannot visit and browse at your leisure unless you only wish to see the archaeological display on the ground floor price €3. None of this information appears to be available on their website which is disappointing. The staff were happy to explain this information.

Came here after the tour and it shined a little more light on the subject so it’s worth doing if you do the tour, otherwise you may be left asking more. Staff are friendly. It’s good to have something like this and hopefully more good things will come of it, but there wasn’t much in the modern sense here, it all seemed quite historical despite the mafia still having a presence and it would be nice to see more of how things are being made better for Palermo, a city that absolutely needs help and community cohesion.

A very educational museum where you can learn a lot about the social and underlying causes behind the development of this type of activity. Admission is free, but I would encourage of leaving a donation

This is the place in Palermo if you want to learn about Mafia. It includes photos as well as description of the terryfing history. The entrance is free but you can donate to support the cause - which I highly recommend. The staff was amazing and answered a lot of the questions I had even providing me with further resources.

Such an incredible experience at the No Mafia Memorial. There was a young gentleman that spoke to us in detail about the mafia and he was so insightful. So much to be learned about the IMPACT on Sicilian people (and wider). There is such a glamorisation of Mafia (in movies etc) and the local people can be forgotten about. It was truly moving, emotional and hard to think about the sacrifices people made and lives that were taken. The fact that this is a free experience (Donations can be made) tells us what the Sicilian people care about for Sicily.

Such an important place to visit when in Palermo. Very well curated exhibition which was an eye opener to the history of the mafia and a memorial to the victims. It highlights the bravery of those who tried to reduce mafia power and put murderers behind bars. It was free to enter with a voluntary donation. We were very keen to do this after seeing the time and effort put into organising and running this organisation.

Free to visit and a short but interesting trip down the avenue of the bandits evolution into to the mafia with a special focus on the guiliano gang, the leaders assassination and the twisted attempt by the police to make change the narrative of his murder at the hands of his cousin.

Great exhibition, very interesting. Nice counterpoint to the glamour of The Godfather, and good to get a bit of history of where it all started.

Great sports center. As an American, I have to say that there are very few concessions for food and drink. I think that this is very common in Mediterranean stadiums. But great sight lines and adequate seating.

A beautiful stadium with a unique scenery - Mount Pellegrino. You can feel the history here. Great that you can enter free of charge. A must see for all football fans.

Amazing atmosphere, make sure to take sunscreen and a cap with you, most of the seats are directly in the sun

**Stadio Renzo Barbera**, also known as **Stadio La Favorita**, is the home stadium of the **U.S. Città di Palermo**, the city's football team, located in **Palermo**, Sicily. It is one of the most important and iconic sports venues in the region. The stadium is named after **Renzo Barbera**, a former president of the Palermo football club who made significant contributions to the team’s development. The stadium, with a seating capacity of around 36,000 spectators, is known for its passionate and loyal fan base. It hosts football matches, including Serie A games, as well as other events such as concerts and cultural activities. The atmosphere during home matches is electric, with fans creating an exciting and vibrant environment in support of their team. **Stadio Renzo Barbera** has undergone several renovations over the years to improve facilities and maintain its status as one of Italy's notable football venues. For football enthusiasts and visitors to Palermo, a visit to the stadium is a must, especially if there's a match scheduled, as it offers a chance to experience the energy and culture surrounding Sicilian football.

The stadium looks very nice and clean. You should go – it’s quite an experienc

Stadium itself maybe is quite cool and very impressive but it gets two stars for lack of ticket office where you can buy a ticket before the game as on every normal stadium... it's quite a problem when match takes place at 3pm when nearby points when you can get a ticket (few hundred meters away) are having a break for siesta and open again during the second half. This makes no sense at all!

Awesome experience watching Palermo FC. The singing and chanting lasted all game. If you sit in the home team endzone you will be in the thick of it. Just as reviews say washrooms aren’t great especially for my fiancé but guys have no problem.

Nice Park, but would require some maintenance in certain parts. Beautiful huge trees, but also some rubbish around. There is also a section for kids with many attractions, so it might be a great choice for the family. It was quite empty when we were there. There are some parking spots around main gate.

My traveling companion and I visited the park in 09-2022 and we enjoyed the stroll throughout while on our way to another destination. The gardens were being cleaned and trimmed at the time we visited. We did note the place has been grossly neglected and the pond is under renovation and from the look of the temporary structure for quite sometime. Still, we looked past the litter and renovation and enjoyed watching the turtles sunbathing and the goldfish swimming in the pond. One turtle swam right up to us and we were sorry we didn’t have any turtle food. All memorials are inscribed in Italian and we didn’t observe any other language descriptions. We used a phone translator for the statutes that we were most interested in. We noted a bar in one part of the park and several teenagers milling around. All folks in the park were friendly and waved with a “ciao” greeting while we took photos and videos. Two boys were playing in a grocery cart and we had fun videoing their theatrics. This garden park could be so much more but I immagine the city doesn’t have the necessary funds to maintain the land as the sidewalks leading into the area were full of trash and in disrepair. Watch where you step! Trees, plants, wildlife were fun to observe. There appeared to be a kiddie amusement park nearby but we did not investigate. We recommend a quick walk through to observe the turtles, fish, trees, shrubs, and florals.

A very pleasant place for a stroll in the park. This is quite a large one and is reasonably well-kept with room for improvement. You'll find sculptures, giant fig trees and places to sit. Great for kids to run around. With rather more tender loving care this could be a five-star park.

There are some great trees in this park which otherwise has little to recommend it. Two poor ducks swimming in a dirty little pond.

Very beautiful park with huge ficuses 😍

Recently reopened and refreshed. Lovely for a walk away from the busy streets. Buy some takeaway pizza or gelato and enjoy the amazing scenery.

Pleasant city park. Not very well cared for. Good for strolling, with some benches but not many. Family/child-oriented fun and food area in the southeast corner.

Shared a wonderful evening with a superb guide and a small group of 10 others. Alessandro was a the perfect guide who had us laughing while giving us the history of Palermo as we went from stop to stop! Thank you for an unforgettable evening while in Palermo! If you enjoy a history lesson while trying delicious street foods, then I highly recommend this tour to you!

We loved Vinz!!! He is so funny and has so much personality, and he’s proud of it! We tried some delicious food - some traditional like arancina but others I hadn’t heard of, like focaccia bread with anchovies or panchetta with spring onions. We learned a lot about the traditions behind the food, the Sicilian folklore, the neighborhoods we visited, and modern history of the mafia. Would recommend this tour to anybody! What a great way to spend the day learning about Palermo.

Absolutely loved this food tour! Being shown around by a real local is exactly why I do tours like this. Our guide was a total pro—fun, knowledgeable, and full of great stories. I really liked that they weren’t afraid to take us to the more adventurous side of Sicilian food. Such a great way to experience the real Palermo!

Amazing street food tour of Palermo, Italy! Eat and enjoy like a local! Fun, great food, and awesome company. What a wonderful experience. Come to explore with them. Thank you! Book early to avoid disappointment!

Great tour! Simona made us feel like friends. She gave great personal insight, explained the history of the food and the city. We were sorry when it ended. Highly recommend.

Streaty Street Food Tour in Palermo with Vinz as our guide was absolutely amazing! Vinz is not only super knowledgeable about Sicilian food and history, but he’s also incredibly fun, friendly, and full of great energy. He made every stop along the way feel special, from the hidden local markets to the authentic street snacks you’d never find on your own. You can really feel his passion for Palermo and its food culture, and that made the whole experience unforgettable. We learned, laughed, and ate so much good food! If you’re visiting Palermo, this tour is a must-do. Definitely worth every minute, you’ll leave with a full stomach, happy heart, and a deeper love for Sicilian life. Thank you, Vinz, for an unforgettable day!

The tour was fabulous so many delicious things. Maria was the best telling us all about what is special and unique in Palermo.!!

I would consider this a must watch when being in Palermo! Probably second right after the Palatine Chapel in the royal castle. Stunning interior with mosaics and lots of details! Entry ticket costs 2€ per person and can be bought inside the church!

To me the most beautiful church in Palermo. I very much loved the insides with the mixture of Greek, Arabic and Christian style.

Beautiful church but also very small. Not sure it’s worth the 2.50€ entrance fee.

Completely stunning church. The mosaics are absolutely beautiful and worth coming in to see. Entry price is 2€. If you are looking for the church with the cannoli, it is not this one-- that's the church across the square (Santa Caterina)

Eccentric blend of Norman and Baroque. Must see! Keep your ticket for discounts to other churches

Splendid church, the paintings and the frescos on the ceiling are really splendid, to pass by Palermo and not to visit it would be a mistake, the prices are reasonable 1€ for the students and 2€ for the adults, I recommend you to visit this splendid place.

Magnificent church originally built in 12th century by Normans in Byzantine/Islamic style. Half of it was painted over with baroque scenes, while the other is ancient and much more interesting (adorned with countless mosaics). Here and there you find columns inscribed with Arabic characters. Visitors entry is possible only for a few hours in a few days, so be sure you check its schedule!

It says on Google that it is open but actually it is closed for public. We tried to enter on 2 different occasions without any success.

Must see alert!! Definitely in my Top 3 places in Palermo, alongside with Terrasini and via Libertà. You are going to me shocked when you come insede. It seems to be a Jazz School from outside, but do come in, you're in the right address. Let yourself wonder at this place. Watch the birds, feel the atmosphere. Don't miss it, it's truly amazing!

Little church from the 13 century partly destroyed during the middle of the XIX century and finally completely destroyed during the second world war. The only walls that remains gives a notion of how it was before. A large part of the garden is not accessible and still is in process of being renew. Not the best place to see in Palermo but one the only place where you can feel the war effect.

A beautiful place to visit on your own. Also a great concert venue.

Without an event on this roofless church, I’d guess, loses most of its charm. Went there on a quiet day and though it’s an interesting place to see I wouldn’t bother visiting it again unless a concert or a film screening was on.

Beautiful place in the heart of Palermo, they do weddings, and it’s the core of the Brass Centre, a jazz school famous in all Italy. highly recommended

My favourite place in Palermo. I would love to see a concert in this church without a roof. Always a good place to find some quiet space in the turbulent parlermo.

YOU MUST take the comprehensive one hour tour of the palazzo. Mine was conducted by one of the sons, Nicolo Federico. The other guide is his brother; two tours each every day (11,12,13 & 14)for each brother. Either reserve online or pay when you arrive. I didn’t have a reservation & it was not an issue. It’s 15€. You should visit because it’s breathtakingly fascinating to see the building, its interiors, the rooms, the decor and listed to how the palazzo has evolved. The Federico family lives there but has kindly & graciously opened their home for the world to see. Funds collected from the reasonable price of 15€ are used to fund never-ending renovations & pay maintenance costs. The days when the nobility married rich American heiresses has long passed. What made this house museum visit extra special is that it’s conducted by the two sons who grew up in the home & will share many family stories. I also learned that one of the original city towers was incorporated into the architectural design. You will visit the tower as well. Did I convince you? I lived in Florence for 3 years in the Palazzo Canevaro & was fortunate to be a frequent guest at many of the palazzi owned by Florence’s noble families. Those palaces are very different and appear to have been built much more recently than the Palazzo Conte Federico (but maybe I’m mistaken). Both groups of palazzi are beautiful; do not pass up the opportunity to see this one and meet a family member. Ask them anything; it was one of the highlights of my visit to Palermo. I’m attaching a few pics. There are more (and better ones) online but these are pics of the parts of the palazzo Conte Federico that caught my eye. Hope you visit. Let me know if you enjoy it as much as i did. Leave a review after your visit. I visited this morning and had to share my experience with everyone now.

A living house museum inhabited by the descendants that built it 400 years ago. Sort of “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” updated. Proud of their heritage and modest in the presentation. Worth a visit.

A fantastic tour given by one of count's sons. He was very friendly and open and cracked quite a few jokes. He also gave us some great insights into the history, both of Palermo and the castle, as well as how his parents have been part of the society, especially his dad the count who still likes to race drive. It was a really lovely tour, much better than your average museum tour. We got to look at family memorabilia and find out a bit about what it's like to grow up in a aristocratic family. You get to experience history all the way from 12th century to modern days starting from Palermo's defence towers. Then secret orders and all the way to modern day family. The tour runs once an hour for an hour, so if you want to get on the tour you have to arrive about 5-10 minutes before the hour to buy the ticket

An awesome place to visit! The tour was conducted by a family member. We had a time listening to the stories. It's amazing that they have been able to maintain it in the family for centuries.

I found out about this palazzo from a random tiktok video and I’m so glad I did. This was my highlight of Palermo. The decoration is fabulous and you can see this palazzo is so welcoming. The guided tour is made by one of the members of the family so they intimately know everything about its history.

The owner of the house- the heir of the family himself welcomed us and gave us a wonderful tour of the house, which was light, humorous, and full of love for his guests and the house. This is a hidden gem of Palermo, and you will be lucky to find it!

This was one of the most exquisite cultural experiences I have ever had! The Conte Federico Palazzo is just spectacular, so rich in history, architecture, design, art, details you name it but the highlight of the visit/tour was the fact that the guides are actually the two brothers/counts who are living in the palace day by day together with the family! Our host was Count Nicolo Federico who was an absolute joy to watch and listen presenting his home to these strangers. Thank you for this experience and for the idea of sharing this magnificent heritage with the whole world!

Compared to the Santa Maria church right next to this one it is really underwhelming. Also the tickets cost more than the Santa Marta Church while it's much smaller, the air is really stale and maybe less than 40 people fit into this church. There is probably a reason for why the ticket shop covers the church with a massive curtain to avoid visitors from seeing in advance what they are going to pay for. Definitely visit the Santa Marta Church for 2€, but this one for 2,50€ I'm not sure.

Arab style domes that represent the Holy Spirit Trinity are magnificent. This church is an interesting example of Norman architecture with Arabic influence - like the fusion of two main religions: Christianity and Islam. Must be seen!

Small peaceful church that illustrates the Arab and Norman influences in Palermo. Enjoyed the simplicity of it. It was €2.5 to enter.

Despite its naked walls inside, it is still impressive, especially the opus sectile floor that dates back to the 12th century.

Next to La Martorana is The Church of San Cataldo (Chiesa di San Cataldo), a beautiful example of wonderful Arabian-Norman architecture. San Cataldo is one of the sites in Palermo inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was founded by William I's chancellor, Maio of Bari c. 1160. In that year, Maio was assassinated with the result that San Cataldo's interior never was decorated. After 1787 the church served as a post office before being later restored in 1885. The architecture inside the church is takes you back in time to that period it’s a beautiful place to visit.

Small but fascinating Norman church in an Arab style.

Small church but with significant importance as you can see from the exterior design of it. Standing only visit you cannot sit inside. Inexpensive 2.50 euro entry.