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Palermo - Wikitravel
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The capital of Sicily was founded by Phoenicians under the name of "Ziz" (which means "flower", but the meaning is still uncertain) and later renamed by Greeks "Panormos", which means "all port". It reached its golden age during the Arab domination (9th to 11th centuries AD), when it became one of the most prosperous cities in the Mediterranean and Europe, known as "city of delights" for its marvelous and lavish gardens, as well as for magnificent mosques and palaces.
After being conquered by the Normans (1060-1080 AD), most of palaces and mosques were destroyed, but the new rulers exploited the cosmopolitan environment of Palermo and the artists, architects and masters from different cultural roots giving the birth to a unique architectural style, the so-called "Arab-Norman Style of Sicily", which is an original mixture of arabesque decorations, Romanesque architecture and Byzantine mosaics.
After being home to one of the most famous emperors of the Middle Ages, Frederik II of Swabia, named "Stupor Mundi" by contemporaries, Palermo began its decadence under the influence of several dominations In the mid-19th century, Palermo was one the leading revolutionary cities in Italy, strongly contributing to the success of the "Mille" (literally "one thousand"), a patriots' expedition lead by the famous Italian national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi which ended with the reunification of Italy under the Savoy dynasty from Turin (1860).
Erimitage
Nowadays, Palermo faces several problems affecting its economic development, mainly because of the presence of the very powerful criminal organization known worldwide as "Mafia" or "Cosa Nostra". The city's economy is based on local government institutions, port, shipbuilding industry and the mechanical industry. It is also seat to some important Sicilian wine making companies (like Tasca d'Almerita, Duca di Salaparuta, Corvo, Planeta, etc.) whose popularity in the world is growing.
Palermo has a typical Mediterranean climate. Palermo's winters are amongst the warmest in Italy and in Europe, with night lows being around 10°C (50°F) and day highs often reaching 20°C (68°F) or more. That's why Palermo attracts tourists as a year-round destination, appealing to people seeking to escape from the cold weather in other European countries and also northern Italy. Temperatures around 5°C (42°F) are very rare, and in most areas of the city the temperature has never gone below 0°C (32°F). Snow is virtually unheard of, although an exceptional snowfall occurred on New Year's Eve in 2014. Throughout most of the year, precipitation is scarce and mostly falls in the winter.
Spring and autumn are both very pleasant seasons to visit, characterized by warm temperatures and abundant sunshine. Autumn is warmer than spring, with summer-like conditions persisting well into November.
Summers, on the other hand, aren't as hot as most Italian cities, even in northern Italy. However, when heat waves hit, the mercury can rise in the mid 40s' (well over 104°F) and bring very extreme heat even at night. The record high is 46°C (115°F). Summer is also the driest part of the year and rain is extremely rare.
Palermo International Airport[3] (IATA: PMO) is located some 32 km west of the city at Punta Raisi and has flights incoming from other Italian centres and major European cities on a regular basis. Half hourly shuttle buses (displaying "prestia e commande") provide inexpensive transport into the city centre. There are 1-2 trains per hour, 50 minutes, (destination Punta Raisi). The usual taxi and car rental services are also available at the airport. You can also book a private airport transfer online in advance.
Although Palermo is a fair-sized city, most of the interesting sites around the centre can easily be reached on foot. Be aware : most sidewalks are often used for parking and that bikes, motorbikes, unicycles and cars often run through the walking areas.
Palermo, unlike Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan and, to some extent, Naples, is not ranking among the must-see-cities of Italy, though it's not actually known why ever this happens. Nevertheless, for the varieties of its monuments, witnessing its long and rich history, the number of other cultural and naturalistic attractions, it can offer a very interesting experience[7] to the visitors interested to explore it. In particular, outside from the classical attractions listed below, the area of Viale della Libertà Avenue from the Politeama Theater to Piazza Croci is a great place, that shows the Art-Nouveau heart of the City. It can be considered a sort of local Avenue des Champs-Elysées or the Barcelona's Ramblas.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the Palazzo Reale with the Cappella Palatina, the Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, the Chiesa di San Cataldo, the Cattedrale di Palermo, the Palazzo della Zisa and the Ponte dell’Ammiraglio.
Castles, walls, towers, bridges and archeology sites[edit]
Admiral's bridge (Ponte dell’Ammiraglio), Corso de Mille, 399-409, 90123 Palermo. UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a medieval bridge of Palermo, located in Piazza Scaffa. According to a legend, the bridge is situated on the place, where the Archangel Michael appeared to the Norman Count Roger I.
Palermo Gate Porta Felice
Catacombs of the Capuchins (Catacombe dei Cappuccini), Piazza Cappuccini, 1, 90129 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 652 7389, [x]. Open daily 9:00-13:00 and 15:00-18:00. It contain over 8000 mummified ex-residents from Palermo area, some merely clothed skeletons, other remarkably well-preserved and lifelike. It is worth to visit, interesting, though this is slightly morbid. Children may either find it exciting or terrifying and it must be the responsibility of their parents to think carefully before taking them.
City walls, [x]. Palermo has at least two circuits of City Walls. The first circuit surrounded the ancient part of Palaeopolis and second the Neopolis, both having the same axis of Porto Nuovo and Vittorio Emanuele street.
Felice gate (Porta Felice), [x]. The Porta Felice is a baroque city gate built in 16th century. The gate is at the eastern end of the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, near the Tyrrhenian Sea coast, when the counterpart of the Porta Nuova is located at the other end of the Corso.
Cathedral (Cattedrale di Palermo), Via Vittorio Emanuele, 90134 Palermo, ☎ +39 329 397 7513 ([email protected]), [x]. This honey-colored and Catalan influenced cathedral is UNESCO World Heritage Site. Frederick II, Barbarossa's son, died in 1250 and is buried here, far from his ancestral home above Hohenstaufen, Germany. His porphyry sarcophagus is dyed with imperial purple.
Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria (Chiesa di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria), Piazza Bellini, 2, 90133 Palermo, [x]. It was built in 16th century. The interior of the church is visually overwhelming. Baroque style architecture encouraging intricate detail and emotional themes.
Church of San Cataldo (Chiesa San Cataldo), Piazza Bellini, 1, 90133 Palermo, [x]. The exterior has a compact sandstone wall softened by carvings of semi-blinded arches and perforated rings. Above are the triplet pinkish domes placed for a contrast to the chromatic walls. The layout of the domes allows you to orientate, where the main nave is situated. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Church of San Giovanni dei Lebbrosi (Chiesa di San Giovanni dei Lebbrosi), Via Salvatore Cappello, 38, 90123 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 475 024 ([email protected]), [x]. The Admiral Bridge and the reopened Favara Castle (at the beginning of the magnificent panoramic road towards Gibilrossa - historic location tied to the Italian national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi and Belmonte Mezzagno, through the wonderful orange and tangerine orchards) are the main sights of the part of the city beyond the river Oreto.
Church of Santa Teresa alla Kalsa (Chiesa di Santa Teresa alla Kalsa), Piazza della Kalsa, 90133 Palermo, [x]. Study the leading example of Sicilian Baroque style. The façade consists of two orders marked by vertical semi-columned and rectangular pilasters. The pairs of paired pilasters and broken curved pediment with a bas-relief and a surround of the cherubs frame the portal. Four niches with marble statues enrich the walls. The second order is the revival of the first order in a slightly reduced form. The broken lines pediment contains the coat of arms of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites enriched with dentiled friezes. Volutes and curls with festooned balustrades close the elevation to the sided terraces.
Gesu Church (Chiesa del Gesù), Piazza Casa Professa, 21, 90134 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 332 213, [x]. It is one of the most architecturally important in Palermo. Constructed between 1564–1633, it's late date of completion resulted an abundant use of polychrome marbles on both floors and walls. Such form of decoration, from the beginning of the 17th century, was a mark of the gradual beginning of the Sicilian Baroque period, which gave Sicily almost an architectural national identity.
Monreale. It is a small town in the suburbs of Palermo, 8 km west from it, sitting on the slope of mount Caputo and overlooking the valley of the Conca d’Oro (Golden Shell). Be sure to visit the Duomo (Cathedral)[1] and its cloisters too. The cathedral is one of the richest and most beautiful churches in Italy, which joins Norman, Byzantine, Italian and Saracen styles. The splendid mosaic of Christ Pantocrator is above the altar and it is twinned with the Palatine Chapel in Palermo and the Cathedral in Cefalu. These all Cathedrals is on the listing of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina), Piazza del Parlamento, 90134 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 705 4317, [x]. Chapel with mosaics is UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's one of the artistic gems of Palermo with the magnificent mosaics and Arabian-style decorations is among the most beautiful in the world. Monday to Thursday 09:00-10:00 and 16:30-18:30. Tourist entrance: Monumental tourist gate of Piazza Parlamento.
San Giovanni degli Eremiti, Via dei Benedettini, 20, 90134 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 651 5019, [x]. Open M-Sa 9:00-19:00.. UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church origin dates back to the 6th century. Now old church ruins together with a nice garden. The lovely garden is quiet and peaceful.
Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia in Monte Pellegrino (Sanctuario di Santa Rosalia a Monte Pellegrino), Via Bonanno Pietro,s.n, Via Bonanno Pietro, 90142 Palermo, [x]. 8 km aside Palermo is situated very unusual church installed in the cave, where the bones of Santa Rosalia were found in 1624, the patron of Palermo. The Sanctuary is set up in 1629 and consist of the separate parts: facade leaning against the rock; before the entering is a finely worked vestibule; on the roof is dome open to the sky. After passing a sumptuous iron gate, you enter the karst cave, that could be defined as the "heart" of the Sanctuary.
Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio Church (Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, also Martorana), Piazza Bellini, 3, 90133 Palermo, ☎ +39 345 828 8231, [x]. UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church composes many styles of art, architecture and culture. It is a Co-cathedral to the Eparchy of Piana degli Albanesi of the Italo-Albanian Catholic Church.
Fountain of Genius (Fontana del Genio), [x]. This fountain was built in 18th century. It stands at Villa Giulia park. Author was the greatest Sicilian sculptors of the time, Ignazio Marabitti.
Fountain of the Sea Horse (Fontana del Cavallo Marino). The 18th century fountain is located before the Higher Education Institute Nautico "Gioeni-Trabia" (Via Vittorio Emanuele, 27, 90133 Palermo), on the street semicircule, near Felice gate.
Garraffo Fountain (Fontana del Garraffo), Via Vittorio Emanuele, 100, 90133 Palermo. It is a Baroque style fountain from 1698. Earlier it was the center of the Vucciria Market Square. The name comes from the Arabic word ghanarraf and means "abundant water". Do not confuse this fountain with the Garraffello fountain.
Fountain of dragons (Fontana dei due Draghi), Corso Calatafimi, 86-213, 90129 Palermo. The 17th century fountain is one of the oldest statue fountains in Palermo. It consists of a marble bathtub of oval shape, where at the end of the tub are situated lying two marble dragons pouring water into the fountain through their mouths.
Monument to Philip V (Monumento a Filippo V, also Teatro marmoreo), Parliament Square, 90134 Palermo. It was built in 19th century. This monument included an exedra close behind with two fountains at the end and a large plaque in the center now all covered and submerged by the city landscape. The eight statues on the balustrade represent the states, which were ruled by king Philip IV, while the four bas-reliefs on the different sides symbolize the four parts of the world. At the feet of Philip V are replaced the four kneeling statues, which represent the rulers from the different continents.
Monument to the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Palermo (Monumento al Cinquantenario della Liberazione di Palermo), Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 17, 90143 Palermo. This square located at the end of Via Libertà. The idea to build a monument commemorating the unification of Italy was born in 1910. Also, it is known for the presence of the monument dedicated to the fallen of the WWI, around which there is an exedra of columns, added later.
Nymph fountain (Fontana Della Ninfa), Piazza Alberico Gentili, 9-13, 90143 Palermo. The past took away the mysteries of this fountain. This baroque fountain from the marble was built in 17th century and was surrounded by the amphitheater shape square joined to the church. Today the three-tiered leaf fountain with the richly decorated statues and water jet atop gushes into the luxurious Arabesque design water pool. It is believed, that the combination of the sea horse sculptures and masks means a link between the sea and inland.
Ignazio Mormino Art and Archaeology Museum, Via della Libertà, 52, 90144 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 778 2180 ([email protected]), [x]. After the reconstruction 2015, the villa Zito put on an exhibit the pictorial collection with more than three hundred works on display, ranging from the great masters and the Sicilian landscape architects from the 17th to the 19th century.
Modern Art Gallery Sant'Anna (Galleria d'arte moderna Sant'Anna), Via Sant'Anna, 21, 90133 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 843 1605 ([email protected]), [x]. Modern Art paintings and sculptures.
Palazzo Mirto House Museum (Museo Palazzo Mirto House Museum), Via Merlo, 2, 90133 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 616 4751, [x]. Members of the Filangeri clan after the living there more than 400 years donated this palace for the public use in 1982. The palace shows contrast between the public or reception rooms and living roos showing it through the frescoed and domed ceilings, hefty Murano chandeliers, marble floors, Chinese screens, and rare Italian and French antiques.
Planetarium (Planetario di Palermo), Piazza S. Francesco di Paola, 18, 90138 Palermo, ☎ +39 328 366 9549 ([email protected]), [x]. Earth and space museum.
Regional Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas (Museo Antonio Salinas), Piazza Olivella, 24, 90133 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 611 6807 ([email protected]). Collection of Phoenician-Punic artifacts, Egyptians statue inscription, amphorae and anchors and sarcophagi, Roman statues and other.free entrance.
RISO, Palace-Museum of Contemporary Art of Sicily (Palazzo Riso), Via Vittorio Emanuele, 365, 90134 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 587 717 ([email protected]), [x]. Museum collects the works of contemporary art of the 20th century of Italian artists.
Cuba palace (Palazzo della Cuba), Corso Calatafimi, 100, 90129 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 590 299. Palace of Arabic-Norman style was built as pavilion in 1180. Later it was used as barracks and lepers' colony. The name Cuba derives from its cubical form.
Palace of the Normans (Palazzo dei Normanni), Piazza Indipendenza, 1, 90129 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 626 2833 ([email protected]), [x]. Inside, don't miss the mosaics in the Cappella Palatina and the old Royal Apartments. Visitors can take a tour only of several rooms: blue room Pompeiana, with its Venus & Eros frescoes; the room dei Venti, adorned by mosaics of geese, papyrus, lions, leopards and palms and the room di Ruggero II mosaic-decorated bedroom. It is UNESCO World Heritage Site and is included in the Arab-Norman itinerary.
Villa Filippina, Piazza S. Francesco di Paola, 18, 90138 Palermo, ☎ +39 389 133 5731 ([email protected]), [x]. It was built in 18th century and characterized by a hudge quadrangular space framed by long porches on the three sides with a passable terrace. It is designed as a place of recreation. Villa Filippina boasts one of the first historic city gardens embellished with the cloister and fountain with statues of saints.
Villa Malfitano Whitaker, Via Dante Alighieri, 167, 90138 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 682 0522, [x]. The villa was built in Neoclassical style in 19th century. The villa is currently the headquarters of the Whitaker Foundation.
Villa Trabia or Casena, Via Antonio Salinas, 3, 90141 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 740 5905. The Casena is an administrative office location, while the park can be visited from 7.00 am until sunset. Guided tours by reservation. It is the 18th century classic style building with the park. Villa houses the state office and the public library. Park has a Baroque style bridge, greenhouses and a large fountain.
Zisa palace (Castello della Zisa), Piazza Zisa, 90135 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 652 0269 ([email protected]), [x]. La Zisa is inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The name comes from Arabic aziz meaning magnificent. It was built in 12th century as summer residence for the Norman kings in a large hunting resort Genoardo.
Botanical garden (Orto Botanico), Via Lincoln, 2, 90133 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 238 91236 ([email protected]), [x]. It was started in 1700 by the Linnean system of beds to display the plants for studies. Botanical gardens from the Northern Europe sent plants to Palermo garden. The Orto Botanico now is home to over 12,000 species, many of which have reached gigantic proportions, as a massive specimen of the Moreton Bay fig (Ficus macrophylla) planted here in 1845.
Garibaldi garden (Giardino Garibaldi), Piazza Marina, 53, 90133 Palermo, [x]. It was built in 1860. Garden area always seems dark even in the sunlight. Some of the most interesting features inside the park is the magnificent ficus.
Villa Bonanno, Via Vittorio Emanuele, 463, 90134 Palermo. Beautiful green area was reconstructed in 2013. It is garden with recreational function equipped with benches, where under the lush palm trees are hidden monuments and busts.
Piazza Castelnuovo. It borders with piazza Ruggero Settimo and creates a single urban space of Piazza Politeama. There is situated another important theatre Politeama. This popular square as the cultural centre represents some monuments and statues.
Piazza Garraffello, (near Vucciria). On Friday nights a DJ is playing, open air, if the weather is good. Huge crowds are dancing. There are also lots of bars right next to the square.
Pretoria Fountain
Piazza Pretoria and fountain. What it was shocking, outrageous and disgraceful at the opening time in 1575. What we have today, it was intended to arrange a private villa.
Piazza Verdi also Piazza Massimo. There is situated Massimo theater, the third largest opera theater in Europe. It starts to bustle from the early morning together with the passers by with the opening of the nearby cafes and boutiques.
Quattro Canti (also piazza Vigliena). Baroque buildings on the corners of the plaza is the symbolic crossroad at the old centre of the city. Each building having the three statues, which displays the separate year season including the fountain, governor and the saint.
Street markets (Mercato). Markets are still active on the south by its human factor noisy and chaotic: “Capo”, Piazza del Carmine or Mercato della Vucciria . At the Ballaro there is a huge variety of fresh fruits on offer. Stop at any food market to take a look for its vibrant street culture, to feel its pulse, to see its mysterious charm, to hear its sounds, to smell tasty aromas.
Foro Italico. It is a green lawn along the seafront of Palermo. Foro in Italian means forum. Space is the destination for the leisure and always very crowded, especially by children kiters.
Occhio al boma, ☎ +39 368 489 694 ([email protected]), [x]. On the Sailboat cruise, there is an opportunity for sight seeing, snorkeling, drinking, eat, sun bathing. The staff is very friendly, helpful and patient. Departure from Palermo to Mondello, Sferracavallo, Isola dele Femmine, Porticello
Stadio Renzo Barbera, Viale del Fante, 11, 90146 Palermo (c. 5km north of the Central Station, take bus 101 or 107 from the Central Station or along the route), ☎ +39 091 690 1211, [x]. Most of the year (except Summer). A great place for football matches in Palermo.
Walking. Walk up mount Pellegrino to get a breath of pure, fresh and fragrant air and at the same relax from the chaos of the city.
History of Sicilian mafia.The Sicilian Mafia is a criminal organization – well known as Cosa Nostra – present in Sicily, since the early 19th century and transformed in the second half of the 20th century into an international criminal organization.
International House Palermo Language Centre[8] is right in the centre near Piazza Politeama (via Q. Sella 70). International House has teachers with years of experience. Each year it welcomes Italian language students from every corner of the globe. Its Italian language courses can be combined with traditional cooking lessons, scuba diving sessions and tours of the city and the island. The school was founded in 1975 and is also a centre of excellence for English language teaching. Free Wi-fi available for tourists and students.
Sicilia[9] language school specializes in teaching Italian to foreigners of any level, from beginner to advanced, as well as preparing them for DITALS exams. Founded in 2005, it also offers cooking classes and guided tours to the students, as well as a crash course in Sicilian language, culture and history. Find it at Via Houel, 19.
The length of Corso Vittorio is full of souvenir shops, as well as other shops specialising in Sicilian alcohols or packaged produce such as pasta, pestos, pistachio cream, herbs etc. However, to get the best deal on local food head on over to the Mercato Del Capo located on Via Mura di Porta Carini.
Try specialties of Palermo like panino con la milza or panelle, in one of the many sandwich stands in the old city center.
Antica Focacceria S. Francesco, Via Alessandro Paternostro, 58, 90133 Palermo (In the small piazza in front front of S. Francecso church), ☎ +39 091 320 264, [x]. A deserved popular top quality Italian restaurant serving fine Sicilian food in the open air. Bookings recommended at the weekends.
Eremiti, Via dei Benedettini, 7, 90134 Palermo, ☎ +39 329 867 7551. Italian Restaurant
Gaetano Vasta la Mimosa 2, Via Generale Cadorna Luigi, 4a, 90134 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 786 3232, [x]. Pizzeria
Il Proverbio, Discesa dei Giudici, 24, 90133 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 617 3267. Restaurant Close to station and Quattro Canti. Great Sicilian food.
Le pergamene, Piazza Marina, 48, 90133 Palermo (near of the Palazzo chiaramonte steri), ☎ +39 091 616 6142. Pizza restaurant
Pipi Room, Via XX Settembre, 59, 90141 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 332 959. Pizza restaurant
Addaura, Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo, 1931, 90151 Mondello, Palermo (Centre), ☎ +39 091 684 9031 ([email protected]), [x]. B&B Villa Addaura, bed and breakfast in Mondello, Palermo, is located in a beautiful location by the sea, which is only 10 meters, only 5 minutes by car from Mondello.
Novecento, Via Roma, 62, 90133 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 976 1194 ([email protected]), [x]. B&B Original liberty style building in the historical centre, with charme rooms with AC, Wi-Fi, private bathroom (external or also ensuite), central heating, LCD tv, mini bar, frigo, original furnishings of early 1900s.
Palermo Erasmus life organization, Palermo city-centre, ([email protected]), [x]. Free-service for any student who is looking for a cheap room in Palermo city-centre for short-long terms.(,13,36553)
Palermo Lincoln Suite, Via Lincoln, 161, 90144 Palermo (Centre), ☎ +39 091 617 6750 ([email protected]), [x]. B&B Just 200 meters from Palermo Central Station, the Lincoln Suite is an intimate property with a peaceful garden. It offers free Wi-Fi and spacious air-conditioned rooms with balcony and private bathroom.
120 Rodionoff Palermo, Via Giuseppe Sciuti 120, 90144 Palermo (centre, near Liberta'street), ☎ +39 333 709 1711 ([email protected]), [x]. checkin: after 12:30; checkout: until 10:30. B&B At 120 Rodionoff rooms have air conditioning, central heating, private bathrooms, LCD TV satellite with Astra and Hotbird satellites, free internet both wi-fi and via ethernet cable. The staff speaks English and Russian.(38.14047622710244,13.351396769285202)
Al Giardino Dell'Alloro, Vicolo San Carlo 8, 90133 Palermo (on the Via Alloro 1 block from Piazza San Francesco), ☎ +39 091 617 6904 ([email protected]), [x]. Excellent central location on a quiet street.
Artemisia Palace, Via Roma, 499, 90139 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 609 0612 (fax: +39 091 605 5766), [x]. Elegant hotel which boasts 18 double rooms and suite. All with private bar, satellite TV with Sky channels, internet connection. Also available a free public parking.
Casa Giuditta, Via Savona, 10, 90133 Palermo (historical city centre, opposite the sea), ([email protected]), [x]. B&B offers rooms and self-catering apartments with 17th century style decorations. Fully furnished with all mod cons: a/c, washing machines, kitchen with oven, freezer, dishwasher, satellite TV. Children welcome.
D’Amato Palermo, Via Messina Marine 178/180, 90121 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 621 2767 ([email protected]), [x]. Hotel Villa Rooms with sea view, private bathroom, shower, satellite TV and free wi-fi.
Florio Park Hotel, Via Impastato Peppino, 41, 90045 Cinisi, ☎ +39 091 868 4222 ([email protected]), [x]. Hotel
In Itinera Atelier, Street: Via della Libertà 58, 90139 Palermo (centre), ☎ +39 349 050 2656 ([email protected]), [x]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 11:00. At In Itinera Atelier B&B rooms have Internet Wi-Fi, air conditioning, minibar, TV, DTV led Android streaming TV with pay TV, safe, private bathroom with bathtub or shower and Chromotherapy, courtesy set, private balcony. The staff speaks English.(38.135566,13.348682)
Italia, Via Roma, 62, 90133 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 616 9320 ([email protected]), [x]. Hotel 100 m from the train station. Good clean rooms with new bathrooms, AC, TV, and balcony with clotheslines. No breakfast
Joli, Via Michele Amari, 11, 90139 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 611 1765 (fax: +39 091 611 1766), [x]. Hotel Rooms adorned with frescoes and fine decor. Fine service, too.
Maxim, Via Mariano Stabile, 136, 90139 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 976 5471 ([email protected]), [x]. B&B An elegant Suite Rooms in central Palermo, the Maxim offers refined rooms with free Wi-Fi and an LCD TV. It is 350 metres from Teatro Massimo and a 20-minute walk from Palermo Central Station. Decorated with modern works of art on the walls, rooms are air conditioned and are fitted with parquet floors and contemporary furniture. Each comes with a fridge and a balcony. 1.5 km from Palermo Cathedral and a 10-minute walk from Palermo Harbour.
NH Jolly Palermo, Foro Italico Umberto I, 22/B, 90133 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 616 5090, [x]. Hotel with 237 spacious rooms and a congress centre with 2 meeting rooms, all equipped with natural light, located on the picturesque gulf of the city and enjoys breathtaking views across the sea.
Palermo Sea Holidays, Via Torretta 7, Sferracavallo, 90147 Palermo (30 meters from the sea and 2 km from Mondello), ☎ +39 349 610 3555 ([email protected]), [x]. Casa vacanze. A group of 1 and 2-bedroom self-catering apartments, on Sferracavallo's seafront close to Palermo. Simple but comfortable studios have an outdoor yard, for relaxing during the day and romantic dinners by night. Sferracavallo has good public transport connections to Palermo, and is close to the Capo Gallo nature reserve.
Palm Beach, Via Ciucca 1 90045 Cinisi, ☎ +39 091 868 2033, [x]. Hotel
Saint Thorn Guest Club, Via Spina Santa, 210, 90147 Palermo (near Mondello), ☎ +39 349 499 5677 ([email protected]). Located inside the 'Capo Gallo' nature reserve in the hills outside Palermo, offering stunning views across Mondello's beach. Free parking in the nearby private street, or inside the villa; swimming pool; free internet. All rooms have en suite baths, TV, hair dryer, a/c, fridge, own outside access. Two rooms have kitchenette, with minimum stay of 5 days. Downtown Palermo is about 15 mins by bus/car, Mondello 10 min, airport 20 min.
Torre Artale Palermo, Contrada Sant’Onofrio 1, 90019 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 733 9981 ([email protected]), [x]. Hotel with 150 rooms, restaurant, swimming pool, private parking, breakfast is included and free wi-fi.
Casa Cagliostro Palermo, Via Giovanni Meli 10, 90133 Palermo, ☎ +39 389 540 7746 ([email protected]), [x]. House
Excelsior Palace Hotel, Via Marchese Ugo, 3, 90144 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 790 9001 ([email protected], fax: +39 091 342 139), [x]. One of the oldest and most renowned luxury hotels in Palermo. Near the harbour and the English Garden.
Grand Hotel et Des Palmes Palermo, Via Roma, 398, 90139 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 602 8111 (fax: +39 091 331 545), [x]. Large and luxurious hotel in the centre, with exquisite interior design and high quality service. Also one of the oldest and best known in the city. Richard Wagner stayed here from November, 1881 until 20 March, 1882. It was at this hotel that he completed Parsifal on 13 January, 1882.
Igiea Palermo, Salita Belmonte, 43, 90142 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 631 2111 (fax: +39 091 547 654), [x]. Villa and hotel complex in the hills overlooking Palermo and the bay. Offering health spa, tennis courts and a fantastic Greek swimming pool that overlooks the sea from on high.
Mondello Palace Hotel, Viale Principe di Scalea, 90151 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 450 001 ([email protected], fax: +39 091 450 657), [x]. Mondello Palace Hotel is located in the bathing resort of Mondello, just a few minutes from Palermo city centre and 25 minutes from the city airport. It rises a few meters from the soft and golden sandy beach and is surrounded by a lush Mediterranean park. It is an elegant building with wide, classic halls. There are an open-air swimming pool, free wi fi internet connection and a parking lot inside the hotel.(38.20173,13.32509)
Quintocanto Hotel e Spa, Via Vittorio Emanuele, 310, 90100 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 348 426 ([email protected], fax: +39 091 730 2738), [x]. Hotel(38.11536821035723,13.360941410064697)
Residenza D’Aragona, Via Ottavio D'Aragona, 25, 90139 Palermo, ☎ +39 091 662 2222 ([email protected], fax: +39 091 662 2273), [x]. Elegant Hotel filled with modern comforts and impeccable service. In the historical centre, near the Politeama and Massimo theaters.
Ucciardhome Palermo, Via Enrico Albanese, 34/36, ☎ +39 091 348 426 ([email protected], fax: +39 091 730 2738), [x]. Hotel
Beware of pickpockets and motorcycle-riding snatch thieves targeting handbags, wallets and mobile phones.
Women should not walk alone at night in the historical centre of Palermo and travelers could be wary of La Kalsa, the neighborhood between Via Roma and the water, at night. The area is being renewed and gentrified, but is probably still one of the riskier places to be at night.
Vehicle theft is a major problem in Palermo, so the use of private, secure car parks is to be preferred.
Avoid going outside the city center, except for Mondello (beach and clubs), Sferracavallo (great restaurants), Monreale.
Tourist Office, Piazza Castelnuovo 35, Palermo. Mo-Fr 8:00-20:00 and Sa 8:00-14:00. A branch of the tourist office also exists at the airport. Get a free map from one of the blue information booths.
Palermo is the main hub for buses and trains in Sicily. The main station - Stazione Centrale is at the beginning of the historical centre, Piazza Giulio Cesare. Most of the long-distance buses leave from just round the corner. The shuttle to the airport leaves every half hour on the half hour until 11PM from the eastern side of the square in front of the train station even though a new bus terminal inside the eastern part of the station has recently been completed and opened to the public.
Bagheria. Churches, castle San Marco, villas.
Solunto Punic ruins near Santa Flavia, Palermo
Bosco della Ficuzza Nature Reserve. Rocca Busambra, Bosco del Cappelliere, Gorgo del Drago, Pulpit of the King. Birdwatching and hiking.
Capo Gallo Reserve. It includes the massif of Monte Gallo. It is a huge conglomeration of carbonate, formed in prehistoric times, ending with the promontory called Capo Gallo. Monte Gallo is classified as a karst mountain.
Mondello is a small seaside resort. A wonderful beach lies between two cliffs called Monte Gallo and Monte Pellegrino. Sport related with sea and beach. Very popular beach, located on the curved bay. Mondello tower.
