Palermo Holidays - Palermo Attractions, Sicily

Palermo is the capital of Sicily and its largest city. It is nowaday an exciting vacation spot dotted with luxury hotels, where plenty of Italian and foreign tourists spend Sicilian holidays. The mix of Arabic and Viking influences is one of the strangest and unexpected surprises that the city has to offer. Buildings dating from the 11^th and 12^th century and buildings from the medieval age are some of the most valuable tourist attractions.

Perhaps the most visited landmark is Palazzo dei Normanni, but also popular are Quattro Canti (a nice example of Baroque architecture) and the catacombs, where local noblemen were mummified. Many tourists visit also the monastery and cathedral in Monreale, located outside of the city.

Sicilian Attractions - Churches

Cathedral of Palermo, a former mosque turned into christian church in 1185

"San Giovanni degli Eremiti", built in 1132

"Santa Maria dell'Ammiragliato", built in 1143, named also "Martorana"

"San Cataldo"

"Santa Maria della Gangia"

"San Giuseppe dei Teatini"

"Oratorio di San Lorenzo"

"Oratorio del Rosario"

"Santa Teresa alla Kalsa", constructed between 1686-1706 over the residence of the former Arab ruler, is one of the most outstanding examples of Sicilian baroque.

"Santa Maria dello Spasimo" was built in 1506 and turned later into a hospital. For this temple Raphael painted the famous "Spasimo", hosted now in "Museo del Prado" in Madrid.

Church of the Jesus - "Chiesa del Gesu" - was built by Jesuits in the center of the city in 1564, over a pre-existing convent. The edifice was further enlarged in 1591, becoming one of the most relevant examples of Sicilian baroque. The church was heavily damaged in 1943 by bombings, most of the frescoes being destroyed. This church is home of the Municipal Library, placed there from 1775.

church of St. Francis of Assisi was built between 1255 and 1277 in the old market area of the city; it was largely rebuilt in the 15^th, 16^th, 18^th, and 19^th centuries. After bombings, in 1943, the church was restored. The interior has a typical gothic flavor, with a nave and two aisles separated by two rows of cylindrical pilasters. Still, some of the chapels are in Renaissance style. The church houses precious sculptures by Antonio & Giacomo Gagini and Francesco Laurana. Important are also the allegorical statues by Giacomo Serpotta, who is also author of the stucco decoration.

Church "Magione" is a great example of Norman architecture. It was founded in 1191 by Matteo d'Ajello and donated later to Cistercian monks. Six years later the German Emperor Henry VI gave it to the Teutonic Order, which detained it until the 15^th century. Interesting is also the 12^th century cloister.

Sicilian Tourist Attractions - Theaters

"Teatro Massimo" - The Greatest Theatre - was opened in 1897. Closed for reconstruction from 1974 until 1997, it is now one of top tourist attractions in the city.

"Teatro Politeama" was built between 1867 and 1874. Nowadays the Gallery of Modern Art is housed there.

Other Points Of Interest In Palermo

Quattro Canti" is a small place at the crossing of the ancient main roads, dividing the old town into quarters.

"Piazza Pretoria" was built in the 16^th century near Quattro Canti as place for a fountain - "Fontana Pretoria".

The Cathedral has a solar observatory from 1690.

"Orto Botanico", founded in 1785, is the largest botanical garden in Italy.

The "Capuchin Catacombs" contain many mummified corps of local nobles.

Close to the city is located Monte Pellegrino, a 600-meter high hill and one of the Sicilian attractions where tourists who stay in holiday resortsin Palermo can admire spectacular sights of the city and surroundings.