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The piazza gained the nickname the “Square of Shame” due to the flamboyant nudity of the statues as well as some perceived corruption around the construction of the fountain, which required the demolition of a number of buildings. It was bought by the City of Palermo in 1574 and features 16 statues of nude mermaids, nymphs and humans which were thought gratuitous in the rigidly Catholic society of the time. The large fountain, Fontana Pretoria, at the heart of Piazza Pretoria was originally designed for a palace garden in Florence. Visit the highlights and hidden gems that only a local would know!Ĥ – See the ‘square of shame’ Piazza Pretoria Why not take a walking tour of the area? Discover local history, the best places to shop and eat and the must-see locations in the city.

Take a picnic and sit on the grass or find one of the brightly colored ceramic benches to unwind and enjoy the sunset. It runs from Villa Giulia to Felice Gate where the route extends around the marina at La Cala. On an evening it really comes to life as a popular place for locals to jog, do yoga or take a stroll. There are a number of large trees to sit under and relax in the shade while you enjoy the cool breeze from the sea. The large seafront lawn known as the Foro Italico in the Kalsa district is a great place to hang out in the city. Keep in mind when visiting the chapel to dress modestly, covering knees and shoulders. Don’t miss the attractive muqarnas ceiling of the nave which is carved from wood and painted with scenes of everyday life. The church features a mixture of styles and inscriptions in both Greek, Arabic and Latin which shows what a cultural melting pot 12th-century Sicily was. Commissioned by Roger II of Sicily in 1132, it functioned as the royal chapel and features extensive mosaics throughout. Inside the Norman Palace can be found one of the most elaborately decorated and awe-inspiring buildings in Sicily, The Palatine Chapel. While you’re there visit the crypts to see the extravagant marble sarcophagi and explore the treasures of the cathedral, which include a gold tiara that belonged to Queen Constance of Aragon and dates from the 13th Century. It’s a great place to grab some panoramic photos from. From here you can get great views above the surrounding buildings and can see right across the city. One of the most fun things to do in Palermo is to visit the cathedral’s roof terraces. The cathedral is a complex that has been added to over the centuries, the most recent works were in the 1700s when the interior was thoroughly renovated.

You will find these deep layers of history throughout the city.įirst-time visitors to the cathedral will likely be stunned by its size and ornate decoration. This eclectic cathedral dates back to the 1100s and was built upon a mosque, which itself was built upon a Christian church. You won’t find a building more grand and spectacular than the Cathedral of Palermo. 1 – Climb to the rooftop of the Cathedral of Palermo

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Here’s a list of how to explore this ancient city where the famous street foods Panelle, Cazzilli and Rascatura began. Visit the cool catacombs slumbering beneath the humming crowd and sample the delicious arancini, cannoli and other traditional foods.

You can find extravagant churches behind small ordinary facades scattered throughout the historic center. Rustic narrow paths and ornate buildings aged by time ensure that, in Palermo, you never know what is around the corner. These are only some of the unusual and fun things to do in Palermo. Proud of its origins with Greek, Arab and Roman influences, the city keeps its markets bustling, ancient streets lively, and opera houses filled with artists and enthusiasts alike - which make it an interesting and fascinating place to visit.īathe in the tranquil waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, climb Europe’s largest active volcano or walk the age-old labyrinth of streets.

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A vibrant city in the heart of the Mediterranean, Palermo is full of flavors and aromas which alone easily justify its title as the cultural capital of Italy.

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