Guidebook for Palermo
Food Scene
Ferro di Cavallo
20 Via VeneziaDelicious fish cooked in traditional ways. Pricey as the fish is very fresh and well done.
11 locals recommend
Trattoria Piccolo Napoli
4 Piazzetta Mulino a VentoDelicious fish cooked in traditional ways. Pricey as the fish is very fresh and well done.
Lovely restaurant in the heart of Palermo. Great food and cosy atmosphere.
16 locals recommend
Il Mirto e la Rosa
30 Via Principe di GranatelliLovely restaurant in the heart of Palermo. Great food and cosy atmosphere.
Best places for a quick snack. After 17.30 every day they make delicious “mignons” of all the most typical Palermo’s street food. You can also get rotisserie chicken, oven baked or fried potatoes and delicious pizza. A must try!
9 locals recommend
La Brace
105 Via Principe ScordiaBest places for a quick snack. After 17.30 every day they make delicious “mignons” of all the most typical Palermo’s street food. You can also get rotisserie chicken, oven baked or fried potatoes and delicious pizza. A must try!
One of the best places to taste arancine with a bit of a twist. They also do vegan versions to die for 😋
56 locals recommend
Ke Palle
270 Via MaquedaOne of the best places to taste arancine with a bit of a twist. They also do vegan versions to die for 😋
Cosy and relaxed atmosphere for one of the best restaurants in Palermo! All the food is freshly prepared and cooked to perfection. A must visit.
20 locals recommend
Bar Rosanero
6 Piazzetta Porta RealeCosy and relaxed atmosphere for one of the best restaurants in Palermo! All the food is freshly prepared and cooked to perfection. A must visit.
Perfect traditional food to grab on a run. It’s all cheap and very tasty 😋
28 locals recommend
Passami ù coppu
195 Via RomaPerfect traditional food to grab on a run. It’s all cheap and very tasty 😋
Great choice of gelato, friendly staff and lovely atmosphere. This is our favourite place to get a “brioche con gelato” for lunch…be aware, it’s huge!
Frisku Cream Sweet Love
40 Via E. AmariGreat choice of gelato, friendly staff and lovely atmosphere. This is our favourite place to get a “brioche con gelato” for lunch…be aware, it’s huge!
One of our favourite spot to get great arancine. It’s cheap, friendly, and they have great food and gelato. Also the coffee it’s very good. Recommended!
Bristrò
28 Via E. AmariOne of our favourite spot to get great arancine. It’s cheap, friendly, and they have great food and gelato. Also the coffee it’s very good. Recommended!
Great pizza in a very friendly environment. Fresh ingredients and awesome dough used. Prepared with love and care. A must try 🤩
16 locals recommend
Tredicisette
20 Via SiracusaGreat pizza in a very friendly environment. Fresh ingredients and awesome dough used. Prepared with love and care. A must try 🤩
Great restaurant in Mondello serving fresh fish cooked in a traditional way. Everything is made with care and absolutely delicious.
43 locals recommend
Trattoria da Calogero
22 Via Torre di MondelloGreat restaurant in Mondello serving fresh fish cooked in a traditional way. Everything is made with care and absolutely delicious.
Stunning views on the sea for this aperitivo place in Palermo. They make great food too if you fancy eating here. Cocktails are delicious and the atmosphere is very relaxed.
61 locals recommend
Calamida
Via CalaStunning views on the sea for this aperitivo place in Palermo. They make great food too if you fancy eating here. Cocktails are delicious and the atmosphere is very relaxed.
One of the best places to get a drink after a busy day exploring the city. Friendly atmosphere, chilled vibes and great cocktails make the Nautoscopio one of our favourite place in Palermo!
92 locals recommend
Nautoscope
Piazza Capitaneria di PortoOne of the best places to get a drink after a busy day exploring the city. Friendly atmosphere, chilled vibes and great cocktails make the Nautoscopio one of our favourite place in Palermo!
This place is a must try if you’re fancying a great pizza, you’re on a budget and it’s late at night 😃
Voglia Di Pizza
28 Via ChiavettieriThis place is a must try if you’re fancying a great pizza, you’re on a budget and it’s late at night 😃
Bocum
2 - 4 Via dei CassariGreat natural wine selection
Simply one of the best pizza in town (and our personal favourite) :)
10 locals recommend
Sapurito Cucina Povera e Pizza
42 Via Principe di VillafrancaSimply one of the best pizza in town (and our personal favourite) :)
Sightseeing
Mondello is the beach of Palermo. Take a stroll on the “lungomare” and get a gelato from one of the many places on the seaside.
410 locals recommend
Mondello
Mondello is the beach of Palermo. Take a stroll on the “lungomare” and get a gelato from one of the many places on the seaside.
Teatro Massimo is the largest opera house in Italy. You can visit the stunning auditorium and the most interesting halls everyday from 9.30am to 5.30pm (tickets available on site)
834 locals recommend
Teatro Massimo
Piazza Giuseppe VerdiTeatro Massimo is the largest opera house in Italy. You can visit the stunning auditorium and the most interesting halls everyday from 9.30am to 5.30pm (tickets available on site)
Due to the various conquering nations and empires that have had a presence in Palermo, this cathedral has a myriad of different styles and is a truly fascinating building.
Originally constructed in 1185 on the instruction of Pope Gregory I, the church has seen many uses including a mosque and a crypt.
The Moorish influence is present on the exterior and it features a fine central basilica and a tall renaissance clock tower.
Furthermore the portico side entrance features several ornate columns and a triangular pediment with a detailed fresco.
Inside, a prominent feature is the treasure chamber that holds various artefacts from different time periods of the church, and also the tomb of Emperor Frederick II.
The roof here is the real cherry on top. You might need to shell out a couple of euros to get there, but it’s worth the look. You get a privileged view over palermo’s Old Town and can see how remarkable the city actually is.
746 locals recommend
Palermo Cathedral
490 Via Vittorio EmanueleDue to the various conquering nations and empires that have had a presence in Palermo, this cathedral has a myriad of different styles and is a truly fascinating building.
Originally constructed in 1185 on the instruction of Pope Gregory I, the church has seen many uses including a mosque and a crypt.
The Moorish influence is present on the exterior and it features a fine central basilica and a tall renaissance clock tower.
Furthermore the portico side entrance features several ornate columns and a triangular pediment with a detailed fresco.
Inside, a prominent feature is the treasure chamber that holds various artefacts from different time periods of the church, and also the tomb of Emperor Frederick II.
The roof here is the real cherry on top. You might need to shell out a couple of euros to get there, but it’s worth the look. You get a privileged view over palermo’s Old Town and can see how remarkable the city actually is.
The Palatine Chapel is located in close proximity to the Palazzo dei Normanni in the centre of Palermo and is one of the best preserved examples of Byzantine architecture and artwork in Europe.
As part of the palace, it was built in 1132 and commissioned by Roger II of Sicily.
Dedicated to Saint Peter, the chapel has a central basilica and features a plethora of fantastic Byzantine artwork and architecture.
Covered in stunning mosaics that exhibit a fantastic amount of detail and colour, the walls and ceiling are packed full of religious and historical iconography.
Every angle or corner you turn you will find another piece of detail or interesting depiction – This really is a true feat of ingenuity and artistic creation.
359 locals recommend
Palatine Chapel
1 Piazza del ParlamentoThe Palatine Chapel is located in close proximity to the Palazzo dei Normanni in the centre of Palermo and is one of the best preserved examples of Byzantine architecture and artwork in Europe.
As part of the palace, it was built in 1132 and commissioned by Roger II of Sicily.
Dedicated to Saint Peter, the chapel has a central basilica and features a plethora of fantastic Byzantine artwork and architecture.
Covered in stunning mosaics that exhibit a fantastic amount of detail and colour, the walls and ceiling are packed full of religious and historical iconography.
Every angle or corner you turn you will find another piece of detail or interesting depiction – This really is a true feat of ingenuity and artistic creation.
The Royal Palace or the Palace of the Normans served as the main seat of the Kings of Sicily.
It stands as one of the oldest royal palaces in Europe and was originally created in the 9th century by the Emir of Palermo.
The Norman and Moorish influence is undeniable and the palace exudes an official and stately feel.
A main feature of the exterior is the central courtyard that features some beautiful stone arches and decoration.
Furthermore, the Capella Palatina is a connecting building that has some beautiful mosaics and artwork dating back hundreds of years.
Ensure you visit this royal residence for a true slice of Sicilian history.
494 locals recommend
Norman Palace
1 Piazza del ParlamentoThe Royal Palace or the Palace of the Normans served as the main seat of the Kings of Sicily.
It stands as one of the oldest royal palaces in Europe and was originally created in the 9th century by the Emir of Palermo.
The Norman and Moorish influence is undeniable and the palace exudes an official and stately feel.
A main feature of the exterior is the central courtyard that features some beautiful stone arches and decoration.
Furthermore, the Capella Palatina is a connecting building that has some beautiful mosaics and artwork dating back hundreds of years.
Ensure you visit this royal residence for a true slice of Sicilian history.
Palermo is packed full of ancient and beautiful religious buildings and the Martorana (Cathedral of St. Mary of the Admiral) is a truly delightful example.
As with Palermo Cathedral, La Martorana also features an amalgamation of various architectural styles due to years of conquest.
Located in the Piazza Bellini, the church is next to the famous Pretoria Fountain and Quattro Canti square.
Inside this fabulous building, the design and artwork is again sublime – The main dome features a golden mosaic of Christ and the ceilings and arches are full of frescos and colourful depictions.
It truly is a fantastic building to behold and the ornate workings will leave you in disbelief.
342 locals recommend
Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana)
3 Piazza BelliniPalermo is packed full of ancient and beautiful religious buildings and the Martorana (Cathedral of St. Mary of the Admiral) is a truly delightful example.
As with Palermo Cathedral, La Martorana also features an amalgamation of various architectural styles due to years of conquest.
Located in the Piazza Bellini, the church is next to the famous Pretoria Fountain and Quattro Canti square.
Inside this fabulous building, the design and artwork is again sublime – The main dome features a golden mosaic of Christ and the ceilings and arches are full of frescos and colourful depictions.
It truly is a fantastic building to behold and the ornate workings will leave you in disbelief.
A truly small and charming church, this building dates back to the 6th century and is remarkably well preserved despite its immense age.
Domed towers sit at one end of the church and feature a brilliant red colouration that is still extremely vibrant.
The architectural style is considered to be a combination of Arabic and Norman but has later Roman additions.
A pleasant garden lies at the back of the church filled with exotic plant life and trees.
As one of the most important Arab-Norman buildings in Palermo, the inside remains quite simple with only a few frescos and religious artwork.
155 locals recommend
San Giovanni degli Eremiti
16 Via dei BenedettiniA truly small and charming church, this building dates back to the 6th century and is remarkably well preserved despite its immense age.
Domed towers sit at one end of the church and feature a brilliant red colouration that is still extremely vibrant.
The architectural style is considered to be a combination of Arabic and Norman but has later Roman additions.
A pleasant garden lies at the back of the church filled with exotic plant life and trees.
As one of the most important Arab-Norman buildings in Palermo, the inside remains quite simple with only a few frescos and religious artwork.
Sicily is full of mountains and hilly regions and Monte Pellegrino sits next to Palermo and offers an escape to nature with unparalleled views of the city and Mediterranean.
Aside from being a fantastic tourist attraction, the locals love to come here for an afternoon of fun too so expect to do some mingling.
Only 9 miles from the city centre, this mountain is easily accessible and there is a regular bus service that runs to the top from Politeama.
If you are particularly adventurous and fit, it is possible to hike to the top of Mount Pellegrino to, but don’t undertake this venture unless you are sure of your physical fitness and survivability!
The cult of Santa Rosalia in Palermo is sacred for those who are religious and those who do not believe in anything.
Each year on July 14th, we are all believers when the colorful festivities honoring Saint Rosalia begin. On that evening, relics are paraded through the city on a grand chariot, and the event finishes with a spectacular firework display.
While everyone might sign up for the parade with the fireworks in the middle of the summer, on September 4th (also known as the liturgical feast), true believers make the ‘Acchianata’ (climb) to honor our patron saint.
This is a 4km (2.5 mile) trail leading up to Saint Rosalia’s sanctuary, which is done on foot (some devout believers do it without shoes.) The sanctuary is within a cave where the last years of Rosalia’s life were spent.
156 locals recommend
Monte Pellegrino
Via Bonanno PietroSicily is full of mountains and hilly regions and Monte Pellegrino sits next to Palermo and offers an escape to nature with unparalleled views of the city and Mediterranean.
Aside from being a fantastic tourist attraction, the locals love to come here for an afternoon of fun too so expect to do some mingling.
Only 9 miles from the city centre, this mountain is easily accessible and there is a regular bus service that runs to the top from Politeama.
If you are particularly adventurous and fit, it is possible to hike to the top of Mount Pellegrino to, but don’t undertake this venture unless you are sure of your physical fitness and survivability!
The cult of Santa Rosalia in Palermo is sacred for those who are religious and those who do not believe in anything.
Each year on July 14th, we are all believers when the colorful festivities honoring Saint Rosalia begin. On that evening, relics are paraded through the city on a grand chariot, and the event finishes with a spectacular firework display.
While everyone might sign up for the parade with the fireworks in the middle of the summer, on September 4th (also known as the liturgical feast), true believers make the ‘Acchianata’ (climb) to honor our patron saint.
This is a 4km (2.5 mile) trail leading up to Saint Rosalia’s sanctuary, which is done on foot (some devout believers do it without shoes.) The sanctuary is within a cave where the last years of Rosalia’s life were spent.
A monumental fountain that lies in the centre of the Piazza Pretoria, the Fontana Pretoria (or Fontana della vergogna) was built by a Florentine architect in 1554 and transferred to Palermo in 1574. Depicted on the fountain are marble statues of the twelve Olympians from ancient Greek Mythology including Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo and Ares.
Each statue is highly decorated and sculpted and frames the centrepiece perfectly.
Aside from the mighty Olympians, the other statues represent the animals and rivers of Palermo.
Congratulations – we have now reached the infamous monument that managed to completely piss off the church (with good reason.) This fountain features multiple naked men and women cavorting.
Called Fontana della vergogna (=The Fountain of Shame, naked men and women)
With backsides and detailed genitals on clear display, imagine the reaction of a population that was predominantly devout Catholic in 1574.
When Francesco Camilliani’s first reached Old Town near Quattro Canti, there was a general outrage between the Catholics, elderly, and (deep-down perverted) nobles.
Perhaps the angriest of all was sister Mary from the Santa Caterina monastery, which shared the square with the newly installed fountain.
Maybe you have been fortunate to never have seen an angry nun before, but they can make anyone wet their pants.
She would look out of her window every morning at the fountain and shout with the rage of the devil “How shameful! You sinners will burn in hell!”
This became such a common occurrence of the time that the monument (and really the entire square) would be known as The Fountain of Shame, or Fontana Della Vergogna in Italian.
Despite the nuns feeling violated by its very presence, the general public grew to love it, so it has been here for nearly 450 years.
The fountain initially belonged and was commissioned by a Spanish noble, Don Luigi de Toledo in Florence. How it became to get owned by Palermo is a roller coaster of a story involving many elements from gambling and debts to addiction.
99 locals recommend
Fontana Pretoria
Piazza PretoriaA monumental fountain that lies in the centre of the Piazza Pretoria, the Fontana Pretoria (or Fontana della vergogna) was built by a Florentine architect in 1554 and transferred to Palermo in 1574. Depicted on the fountain are marble statues of the twelve Olympians from ancient Greek Mythology including Zeus, Poseidon, Apollo and Ares.
Each statue is highly decorated and sculpted and frames the centrepiece perfectly.
Aside from the mighty Olympians, the other statues represent the animals and rivers of Palermo.
Congratulations – we have now reached the infamous monument that managed to completely piss off the church (with good reason.) This fountain features multiple naked men and women cavorting.
Called Fontana della vergogna (=The Fountain of Shame, naked men and women)
With backsides and detailed genitals on clear display, imagine the reaction of a population that was predominantly devout Catholic in 1574.
When Francesco Camilliani’s first reached Old Town near Quattro Canti, there was a general outrage between the Catholics, elderly, and (deep-down perverted) nobles.
Perhaps the angriest of all was sister Mary from the Santa Caterina monastery, which shared the square with the newly installed fountain.
Maybe you have been fortunate to never have seen an angry nun before, but they can make anyone wet their pants.
She would look out of her window every morning at the fountain and shout with the rage of the devil “How shameful! You sinners will burn in hell!”
This became such a common occurrence of the time that the monument (and really the entire square) would be known as The Fountain of Shame, or Fontana Della Vergogna in Italian.
Despite the nuns feeling violated by its very presence, the general public grew to love it, so it has been here for nearly 450 years.
The fountain initially belonged and was commissioned by a Spanish noble, Don Luigi de Toledo in Florence. How it became to get owned by Palermo is a roller coaster of a story involving many elements from gambling and debts to addiction.
A simple yet effective and beautiful attraction, the Quattro Canti is an open square located in the centre of Palermo.
Constructed in 1608, the square provides a crossroads for Via Maqueda and VIa Vittorio Emannuel but it is the architecture that makes it famous.
At each corner of the square lies a semi circular face that contains marble columns, inscriptions and statues of important Italian citizens and rulers.
Their symmetry and design are fantastic and you feel as if you have stepped into Florence or Renaissance Italy.
344 locals recommend
Quattro Canti
Via MaquedaA simple yet effective and beautiful attraction, the Quattro Canti is an open square located in the centre of Palermo.
Constructed in 1608, the square provides a crossroads for Via Maqueda and VIa Vittorio Emannuel but it is the architecture that makes it famous.
At each corner of the square lies a semi circular face that contains marble columns, inscriptions and statues of important Italian citizens and rulers.
Their symmetry and design are fantastic and you feel as if you have stepped into Florence or Renaissance Italy.
The Cathedral of Monreale (Italian: Duomo di Monreale) is a church in Monreale, Metropolitan City of Palermo, Sicily, southern Italy. One of the greatest existent examples of Norman architecture, it was begun in 1174 by William II of Sicily. In 1182 the church, dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, was, by a bull of Pope Lucius III, elevated to the rank of a metropolitan cathedral. Since 2015 it is part of the Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale UNESCO Heritage site.
237 locals recommend
Monreale Cathedral
1 Piazza Guglielmo IIThe Cathedral of Monreale (Italian: Duomo di Monreale) is a church in Monreale, Metropolitan City of Palermo, Sicily, southern Italy. One of the greatest existent examples of Norman architecture, it was begun in 1174 by William II of Sicily. In 1182 the church, dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, was, by a bull of Pope Lucius III, elevated to the rank of a metropolitan cathedral. Since 2015 it is part of the Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale UNESCO Heritage site.
The powerful Chiaramente family constructed Palace Steri in 1307, not just as a place to live in luxury as they believed they deserved, but as a high point to yell at the commoners that “they are the ones who really matter”.
With all due respect to the Chiaramonte family, the most interesting part of the palace’s story is between 1600 and 1782 when the Holy Inquisition set the palace as the official seat and chamber of horrors.
The Palace became a point of a prison, setting up cells like little mouse cages. Here they would put the heretics, blasphemers, and which is to redeem them through a baptism of violence and torture.
No one would make it out alive.
Some of the prisoners refused to lose hope, and drew their desires and stories on the cages and walls using a mix of stool, urine, and other matter. The graffiti is still highly visible to this day.
150 locals recommend
Palazzo Chiaramonte
60 Piazza MarinaThe powerful Chiaramente family constructed Palace Steri in 1307, not just as a place to live in luxury as they believed they deserved, but as a high point to yell at the commoners that “they are the ones who really matter”.
With all due respect to the Chiaramonte family, the most interesting part of the palace’s story is between 1600 and 1782 when the Holy Inquisition set the palace as the official seat and chamber of horrors.
The Palace became a point of a prison, setting up cells like little mouse cages. Here they would put the heretics, blasphemers, and which is to redeem them through a baptism of violence and torture.
No one would make it out alive.
Some of the prisoners refused to lose hope, and drew their desires and stories on the cages and walls using a mix of stool, urine, and other matter. The graffiti is still highly visible to this day.
La Zisa was a castle built in 1165 by the most controversial and debated Norman Kings, William I. He was nicknamed King William the Bad.
William I was most known for being a heavy party boy.
Through the 12 years that he was the King of Sicily, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire Frederick I, threatened to invade Sicily every day.
It seemed that everyone in Sicily was worried about this except for the King. He was busy playing ‘spin the bottle’ with women of his harem or embellishing Palermo with more of its current beautiful constructions. Among these are two UNESCO sites in Sicily, the church of San Cataldo (another must see) and, as I said, La Zisa Palace. Both of these structures are an excellent example of the Arab-Norman presence in Sicily during this time period.
In Arabic, the term “Zisa” or “El-Aziz” means “magnificent” and this is exactly what William I wanted most of all.
“When people see it they must be captured by the artistic perfection” he would say.
There is a legend suggesting that this palace was not built by that Norman King, but rather by two Libyan love birds. They hid a treasure within his walls and the devil’s painted the walls protecting it forever.
212 locals recommend
The Zisa Castle
Piazza ZisaLa Zisa was a castle built in 1165 by the most controversial and debated Norman Kings, William I. He was nicknamed King William the Bad.
William I was most known for being a heavy party boy.
Through the 12 years that he was the King of Sicily, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire Frederick I, threatened to invade Sicily every day.
It seemed that everyone in Sicily was worried about this except for the King. He was busy playing ‘spin the bottle’ with women of his harem or embellishing Palermo with more of its current beautiful constructions. Among these are two UNESCO sites in Sicily, the church of San Cataldo (another must see) and, as I said, La Zisa Palace. Both of these structures are an excellent example of the Arab-Norman presence in Sicily during this time period.
In Arabic, the term “Zisa” or “El-Aziz” means “magnificent” and this is exactly what William I wanted most of all.
“When people see it they must be captured by the artistic perfection” he would say.
There is a legend suggesting that this palace was not built by that Norman King, but rather by two Libyan love birds. They hid a treasure within his walls and the devil’s painted the walls protecting it forever.
I surely hope that the thought of a museum doesn’t make you yawn out of spite, but I promise that this one is worth your time and pretty cool.
This structure possesses one of the richest collections of the Punic an Ancient Greek art in all of Italy. Is also has multiple items from various eras in Sicilian history. Worth a look is The Gorgon - In Sicily, the Gorgon is a symbol, the Trinacria.
Last thing to see here is the Palermo stone. This has inscribed all the sovereigns of ancient Egypt. Thanks to the stone, historians have managed to reconstruct lesser-known aspects of Egypt’s ancient history.
173 locals recommend
Regional Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas
Piazza OlivellaI surely hope that the thought of a museum doesn’t make you yawn out of spite, but I promise that this one is worth your time and pretty cool.
This structure possesses one of the richest collections of the Punic an Ancient Greek art in all of Italy. Is also has multiple items from various eras in Sicilian history. Worth a look is The Gorgon - In Sicily, the Gorgon is a symbol, the Trinacria.
Last thing to see here is the Palermo stone. This has inscribed all the sovereigns of ancient Egypt. Thanks to the stone, historians have managed to reconstruct lesser-known aspects of Egypt’s ancient history.
This is one of the most beautiful churches in the whole city. This is a church from the baroque era constructed in 1590. While officially, the name is Church of Jesus, many locals have taken to calling it the Casa Professa.
American historian Donald Garstang once wrote about the church, suggesting it looked like something belonging in a fantasy world. That is how surreal and magnificent the marblework is within the building. Consider for a moment that this was not built for mainly religious reasons, but rather as a political gesture.
When the Spanish were ruling Sicily in the 1500s, Viceroy Juan de Vega invited a congregation of Jesuits, who were a sort of influencers without iPhones to move to Palermo. Their opinions would help to win political points for the viceroy.
But as I’m told, when you give the Jesuits an inch, they want to take a yard.
They began grumbling about the church they received from the viceroy claiming that it was not up to their standards. Juan who needed them to help him get the equivalent of followers and likes of the time, allowed them to construct the Church of Jesus.
The result is breathtaking, but the precious marble work and statues within does not really embody the ideals of modesty and humbleness traditional of Christian churches. As with all influencers, the Jesuits were a little bit spoiled.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
40 Via CataniaThis is one of the most beautiful churches in the whole city. This is a church from the baroque era constructed in 1590. While officially, the name is Church of Jesus, many locals have taken to calling it the Casa Professa.
American historian Donald Garstang once wrote about the church, suggesting it looked like something belonging in a fantasy world. That is how surreal and magnificent the marblework is within the building. Consider for a moment that this was not built for mainly religious reasons, but rather as a political gesture.
When the Spanish were ruling Sicily in the 1500s, Viceroy Juan de Vega invited a congregation of Jesuits, who were a sort of influencers without iPhones to move to Palermo. Their opinions would help to win political points for the viceroy.
But as I’m told, when you give the Jesuits an inch, they want to take a yard.
They began grumbling about the church they received from the viceroy claiming that it was not up to their standards. Juan who needed them to help him get the equivalent of followers and likes of the time, allowed them to construct the Church of Jesus.
The result is breathtaking, but the precious marble work and statues within does not really embody the ideals of modesty and humbleness traditional of Christian churches. As with all influencers, the Jesuits were a little bit spoiled.
Bar with a view
this is the very best view of Palermo, they have a great cocktail bar and the aperitivo here is just magical. You need to go up to the last floor - Better to book in advance😉
7 locals recommend
Hotel Ambasciatori
111 Via Romathis is the very best view of Palermo, they have a great cocktail bar and the aperitivo here is just magical. You need to go up to the last floor - Better to book in advance😉
Traveler advice
Ways to save
Street food
The best lunch you can get are called “pezzi” and you can find them in every bar of Palermo. They consist in oven baked or fried dough filled with all sort of goodness. Try calzoni fritti and you will never look back!
Getting around
Buses and scooter
Buses are a good way to travel around in Palermo. Also, there are many scooter services all around the city that allows you to rent a scooter and leave it pretty much anywhere in the centre.
Don't miss
Food markets
Don’t miss the fantastic food markets all around the city! Ballarò, Capo, Vucciria and Borgo Vecchio are daily options to see something incredibly typical and taste awesome fresh food from Palermo!
What to pack
Comfortable shoes and sandals for summer!
Palermo in summer is very hot so packing comfortable fresh clothes and sandals is a must. It’s good to have a pair of trainers too as there is a lot to explore! For any other season, remember to pack a jacket as the sea can bring a cold wind at night.
Getting around
Renting a scooter
Traffic can be heavy in Palermo, so renting a scooter is a great choice if you want to visit the city without getting jammed. There are many places that rent scooters in Palermo and provide you with helmets, chain and insurances. Many of our guests found this service reliable and with fair prices : https://www.mondellorent.it/en/ their office is conveniently located 10 min walk from the apartment, in via Roma 493. They also rent bicycles and e-bikes.