The Home ofMany Emperors
If ever there was a recommendation to travel to a place it is this: human beings have settled in and around Palermo for around 10,000 years. The beauty of the city on the northern shore of Sicily is obvious on every street corner of the Old Town. Ornaments and sculptures grace the facades, statues and fountains the squares, and the inhabitants are friendly and hospitable. Palermo was the home of choice of many emperors who ruled territory reaching from Spain to Poland, and all of them have left their mark in the city.
Historical Religious Sites
For centuries the Norman palace Palazzo dei Normanni, founded during the 9th century, served as the royal residence. Large parts of the building are open for visitors, though some space was set aside for the Sicilian parliament. The main attraction within the palace complex is the Capella Palatina, a 12th century treasure chest with golden walls and precious mosaic floors. In the basement excavations have uncovered remains of an ancient defensive wall. The city’s other major landmark is the fabulous cathedral. Construction started in the 12th century, though its face has changed a few times since. Famous kings have donated precious ornaments, statues, and altars and were later laid to rest inside the cathedral. Though a mixture of different styles the Arab influence is quite evident.
The oldest church in town is San Giovanni degli Eremiti and its origins date back as far as the 6th century. As a place of worship for Christians, Muslims, and then Christians again it perfectly reflects the history of Palermo which was ruled by Christian kings and Muslim emirs during different periods. The city’s Mediterranean flair is best absorbed on one of the numerous squares. One of the most popular is Quattro Quanti square where you will find a baroque palace with artfully designed facades on each corner. These frame the square’s famous centerpiece: a statue of Palermo’s Spanish kings over which four angelic statues – the city’s patron saints – seem to watch out for them. Apart from the shady squares of the city the parks are a welcome retreat from the burning midday sun.
Cool Down and Relax
Locals and tourist gather in great numbers under Monte Pellegrino, a chalk hill over 600m (2000 ft) high. Visitors stream to the hill in thousands, some to see the prehistoric wall paintings in some of the more than 120 grottos, and some to honour Santa Rosalia who is remembered here for stopping a plague epidemic in the 17th century. At the base of monte Pellegrino lies Parco della Favorita, and the name speaks the truth: the large park with shadowy lawns, football pitches and tennis courts is the locals’ favourite. The horse racing track stages international derbies and other events. Should the park fail to cool you down sufficiently you can take a dip in the water just north of Monte Pellegrino in Mondello Bay. Should your hunger for cultural and historical education not be saturated by the various monuments you have seen on your tour, visit the archeological museum as well as the regional art gallery which paintings from the Middle Ages to the 18th century on display.
