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Palermo – a brief overview
Palermo feels old for a reason. It is. Nearly 3,000 years have passed since Phoenician, Carthaginian and Greek merchants docked here. What began as a little depot soon grew into a city of strategic and cultural importance. It became Panormus: the port. The city’s role as a crossroads between East and West has resulted in an intoxicating cross-cultural mix of art, architecture and food.
Like their city, Palermitans can be a demanding lot and are enthusiastic consumers of life’s pleasures. So why not join them in their cafés and churches, theatres and markets and soak up a little dolce vita.
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Top 10 sights in Palermo

Cappella Palatina
Piazza Indipendenza 1
90129 Palermo
Italy
Tel: +39 91 626 2833
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Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0815-1740
This tiny, jewel-like chapel demonstrates Sicily’s artistic sophistication, its interior inlaid with precious marbles and delicate mosaics recounting the tales of the Old Testament.
Mercato di Ballarò
90134 Palermo
Italy
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Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0700-2000
Sun 0700-1300
Experience Palermo like a local by wandering the city’s most dynamic market. Sun-ripened produce teeters on tables while housewives argue over ‘Made in China’ bras and olive oil.
Cattedrale di Palermo
90040 Palermo
Italy
Tel: +39 91 334 373
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Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0900-1730 (Mar-Oct)
Mon-Sat 0930-1300 (Nov-Feb)
Sun 0730-1330 and 1600-1900
A fusion of Arab and Norman architecture, the dome of Palermo’s cathedral floats above the narrow streets surrounded by ziggurat crenellations. Inside, Sicily’s two greatest kings, Roger II and Frederick II, lie entombed in marble.
Catacombe dei Cappuccini
90129 Palermo
Italy
Tel: +39 91 652 4156
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Opening times:
Daily 0900-1300 and 1500-1800
Possibly the most macabre sight you’ll ever see is the mummified bodies of some 8,000 Palermitans who died between the 17th and 19th centuries. They’re neatly segregated by rank and gender, and there’s a first class section for virgins!
Oratorio del Rosario di Santa Zita
90133 Palermo
Italy
Tel: +39 91 322 779
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Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0900-1330
With their love of ornamentation, Palermitans quickly fell for the architectural excesses of baroque. Nowhere is this more evident than the writhing stuccowork of Giacomo Serpotta inside this oratory.
Galleria Regionale della Sicilia
90133 Palermo
Italy
Tel: +39 91 623 0011
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Opening times:
Tue-Fri 0900-1900
Sat-Sun 0900-1330
This gallery is full of treasures and paintings from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, including the magnificent fresco The Triumph of Death.
Museo dell’Inquisizione
90133 Palermo
Italy
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Opening times:
Daily 1000-1800
In the dark days of the Inquisition, Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri became the torture HQ for the Grand Inquisitor. After lengthy restoration, its graffitied cells are now open to the public.
Galleria d’Arte Moderne
90133 Palermo
Italy
Tel: +39 91 843 1605
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 0930-1830
Set around a beautiful, arcaded courtyard in a former convent, Palermo’s modern art gallery features a wide-ranging collection of Sicilian art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Fontana Pretoria
90133 Palermo
Italy
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This elaborate fountain crowded with nude nymphs and river gods was designed for a Tuscan villa, but brought here in 1573. Positioned in front of the Municipal Hall, the flagrant nudity shocked locals who dubbed it the Fountain of Shame.
La Martorana
90133 Palermo
Italy
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Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0830-1300 and 1530-1730
Sun 0830-1300
One of Palermo’s most famous medieval churches, La Martorana was originally planned as a mosque. Delicate Fatimid capitals endlessly repeat the name of Allah while golden Greek mosaics depict Roger II receiving his crown from Christ.
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Italy / Country Information
Country overview
Italy is an extremely popular tourist destination. Its stunning landscapes, fascinating cities and unique cultural heritage are internationally renowned. But it would be impossible to explore the entire country on a single trip. It’s better to concentrate on a few highlights and enjoy the hospitality, style and spirit of the region you choose to visit.
Italy’s diversity is a big part of what makes it attractive to visitors. Loud, lively Naples; the gently rolling hills of Tuscany; the Renaissance treasures of Florence – the country has an irresistible allure. And let’s not forget Italian cuisine!
Geography
Italy is divided into the Italian Alps, the northern Italian lowlands, the actual Apennine Peninsula, and numerous islands. The most famous islands include Sicily, Sardinia, Elba, Ischia and Capri. The Alps are located in northern Italy and form a natural border with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The country borders the Mediterranean Sea to the south, southwest, and southeast. The Apennines, with their tallest peak of 2,910 meters, stretch across the entire peninsula.
Northern Italy is home to the Alps, the fertile, densely populated Po Valley, and the Ligurian-Etruscan region of the Apennines. The Piedmont and Aosta Valley regions include some of Europe’s tallest mountains and most beautiful skiing areas. Numerous rivers have their source here; they flow through the Po Valley and the Italian lake district. Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, and Lake Garda are located here. The Po, Italy’s largest river, flows into the Adriatic Sea in the east.
Central Italy is actually located in the north of the Italian peninsula. Tuscany boasts diverse and beautiful landscapes. Mountains, meadows, and hills await visitors to this region, as do sandy beaches and numerous islands.
The region of Marche, between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea, is a mountainous area full of rivers and small, fertile plains. The mountainous regioni (administrative districts) of Abruzzo border Marche to the north. Molise, located south of Abruzzo, borders Puglia to the south. Lazio and Campania are situated on the Tyrrhenian Sea and comprise the western border. Umbria, the “green heart of Italy,” is full of hills and expansive plains.
Southern Italy extends from Baia Domizia to the Gulf of Naples. Campania is hilly, with flat coastal regions. The southern Italian Apennines are lower than the northern mountains, and the Appennino Neapolitano gently merges into the softly rolling hills surrounding Sorrento. The islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida in the Tyrrhenian Sea also belong to Campania. In Puglia, volcanic hills and secluded moors characterize the landscape. And there are still active volcanoes in southern Italy: Mount Vesuvius to the east of Naples is one of the largest volcanoes in Europe. Calabria, the “toe” of Italy’s “boot,” is sparsely populated and heavily forested.
General knowledge
Key facts
Area: 301340 sq km (116348 sq miles).
Population: 60.5 million (2015).
Population density: 204.0 per sq km.
Capital: Rome.
Language
The state language is Italian. South Tyrol is officially a bilingual province, where German is the language mainly spoken. In Trentino, Ladin is taught in some schools.
Currency
Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the two round-pin type.
Public holidays
In addition to public holidays, local feast days are held in honour of town patron saints, generally without closure of shops and offices.
The public holidays for the period January 2020 to December 2021 are listed below.
2020
Capodanno (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2020
Epifania (Epiphany): 6 January 2020
Pasqua (Easter Sunday): 12 April 2020
Lunedì dell’Angelo (Easter Monday): 13 April 2020
Festa della Liberazione (Liberation Day): 25 April 2020
Festa del Lavoro (Labour Day): 1 May 2020
Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day): 2 June 2020
Assunzione di Maria Vergine (Assumption): 15 August 2020
Tutti i santi (All Saints’ Day): 1 November 2020
Immacolata Concezione (Immaculate Conception): 8 December 2020
Natale (Christmas Day): 25 December 2020
Santo Stefano (St. Stephen’s Day): 26 December 2020
2021
Capodanno (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2021
Epifania (Epiphany): 6 January 2021
Pasqua (Easter Sunday): 4 April 2021
Lunedì dell’Angelo (Easter Monday): 5 April 2021
Festa della Liberazione (Liberation Day): 25 April 2021
Festa del Lavoro (Labour Day): 1 May 2021
Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day): 2 June 2021
Assunzione di Maria Vergine (Assumption): 15 August 2021
Tutti i santi (All Saints’ Day): 1 November 2021
Immacolata Concezione (Immaculate Conception): 8 December 2021
Natale (Christmas Day): 25 December 2021
Santo Stefano (St. Stephen’s Day): 26 December 2021
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Palermo
Palermo’s nightlife is split between popular bars and cafés in the historic centre along Via Chiavettieri and the Champagneria district, and high-end wine bars and dance clubs in the newer part of town.
In summer, many Palermitans decamp completely to the beach at Mondello, 15 minutes away by bus 806.
Taverna Azzurra
90133 Palermo
Italy
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A rough and ready tavern in the Vucciria market serving a mean negroni.
Enoteca Picone
90141 Palermo
Italy
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Wine bar, wine shop or mini restaurant? Tough question if you’re talking about the excellent Enoteca Picone because here, you can sit in comfort and sample some first-rate vintages, take Sicilian wines home or have them delivered to your door, and also enjoy a tasty snack. Open daily for wine tastings from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Teatro di Verdura
90146 Palermo
Italy
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A summer-only treat: music in the lovely gardens of Villa Castelnuovo.
Cuticchio Mimmo
90133 Palermo
Italy
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Don’t miss an evening of Palermo puppet theatre with handcrafted puppets.
Teatro Massimo
90138 Palermo
Italy
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Opera, ballet and music in Palermo’s iconic art nouveau theatre.
Flight and accommodation
Restaurants in Palermo
Like its heritage, Sicilian food is a mix incorporating both sweet and spice in signature dishes such as caponata (eggplant with sweet peppers).
Restaurants don’t get going until around 9.30pm although there are plenty of cafés that stay open all day.
Ristorante Santandrea
90133 Palermo
Italy
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Price: Expensive
Traditional Sicilian cuisine executed creatively with market-fresh produce.
Trattoria Il Maestro del Brodo
90133 Palermo
Italy
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Price: Moderate
Tuck into a sensational antipasto buffet followed by ultra fresh fish.
Antico Caffè Spinnato
90139 Palermo
Italy
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Price: Moderate
A sophisticated tea salon serving pastries and light lunches.
Pasticceria Cappello
90134 Palermo
Italy
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Price: Cheap
Palermo is famous for its pastry shops and this is one of the very best.
I Cuochini
90141 Palermo
Italy
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Price: Cheap
A popular fry shop serving rice balls and pastries stuffed with mince.
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Calendar of events
World Festival on the Beach
Every year, Palermo celebrates beach culture and the outdoors life at a week-long festival at Mondello. Windsurfing, beach volleyball, paragliding, sailing, canoeing, running and swimming are among the activities and competitions that take place during the festival. A few jazz concerts are sprinkled throughout the week, and the festival ends with a tall ships race.
Sole Luna Film Festival
The Sun Moon Film Festival celebrates Palermo’s Greek, Roman, Arab and Norman heritage through the medium of film.
Festino di Santa Rosalia
November 1 – 2, 2020
Venue: Throughout the city
Procession in honour of Palermo’s patron saint, plus fireworks and street parties.
Day of the Dead
November 1 – 2, 2020
Venue: Various Venues
A popular festival across the city and the whole of Sicily, the Day of the Dead is the time of the year when it is said that the souls of dead relatives and loved ones return to Earth to visit those they’ve left behind. It is a time for prayers and remembrance and many people visit the family graves to lay flowers and candles for lost loved ones. It is said that the visiting spirits leave gifts of sweets and cakes for the children so the morning of the second day is usually an exciting time for children who bound downstairs to see what’s been left for them overnight. The festival lasts for two days but only the first day, 1 November, is a national holiday.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in Palermo
Palermo gets busy during Easter and summer so book ahead. Most mid-range and top-end hotels are situated north of the historic centre in the newer part of the city.
Budget options and independent boutiques hotels are buried down atmospheric alleys. Reserve ahead for parking.
Centrale Palace Hotel
90134 Palermo
Italy
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Category: Expensive
An elegant, 18th-century palazzo hotel with a panoramic rooftop restaurant.
Giardino di Ballarò
90134 Palermo
Italy
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Category: Moderate
Boutique hotel in the historic centre with soothing contemporary rooms.
Plaza Opera
90139 Palermo
Italy
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Category: Moderate
A small luxury hotel with modern rooms and highly personal service.
Massimo Plaza
90133 Palermo
Italy
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Category: Moderate
Recently renovated historic hotel with comfortable, spacious rooms.
Alla Martorana B&B
90133 Palermo
Italy
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Category: Cheap
Excellent value, family-run B&B with lots of character and knowledgeable hosts.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
Today: Friday, 15.01.2021 07:00 UTC

overcast
temperature
10°C
wind direction
southwestwind speed
3.75 mphhumidity
87%7 days forecast
Saturday
16.01.2021
11°C / 5°C
Sunday
17.01.2021
11°C / 4°C
Monday
18.01.2021
11°C / 7°C
Tuesday
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12°C / 8°C
Wednesday
20.01.2021
14°C / 9°C
Thursday
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15°C / 11°C
Friday
22.01.2021
15°C / 11°C
Climate & best time to visit Italy
Italy is a great destination to visit year round, particularly if taking a city break, though for the warmest and most reliable weather April to June is the prime tourist season. Most Italians take their holiday in July and August so prices, and crowds, can soar during these months, which are also the hottest of the year. If you’re keen to avoid the main scrum of peak season but still bank on mild weather, late September to October is a good choice.
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absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute max | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
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Jan | 30 °C | -1 °C | 15 °C | 7 °C | 75 % | 96 mm | 12 | 4.5 h |
Feb | 27 °C | 0 °C | 15 °C | 7 °C | 72 % | 77 mm | 9 | 5.2 h |
Mar | 33 °C | 0 °C | 17 °C | 9 °C | 68 % | 59 mm | 8 | 6.1 h |
Apr | 34 °C | 2 °C | 20 °C | 11 °C | 68 % | 44 mm | 6 | 7.5 h |
May | 37 °C | 6 °C | 23 °C | 14 °C | 67 % | 27 mm | 3 | 9.2 h |
Jun | 40 °C | 9 °C | 27 °C | 17 °C | 65 % | 12 mm | 2 | 10.1 h |
Jul | 43 °C | 12 °C | 30 °C | 20 °C | 63 % | 5 mm | 1 | 11.3 h |
Aug | 43 °C | 10 °C | 30 °C | 20 °C | 63 % | 17 mm | 1 | 10.4 h |
Sep | 42 °C | 8 °C | 28 °C | 18 °C | 67 % | 43 mm | 4 | 8.4 h |
Oct | 36 °C | 5 °C | 24 °C | 15 °C | 71 % | 85 mm | 8 | 6.5 h |
Nov | 31 °C | 1 °C | 20 °C | 12 °C | 72 % | 83 mm | 9 | 5.2 h |
Dec | 25 °C | 0 °C | 17 °C | 9 °C | 74 % | 106 mm | 12 | 3.9 h |
year | 43 °C | -1 °C | 22 °C | 13 °C | 69 % | 655 mm | 75 | 7.4 h |
Flight and accommodation
Telephone & Internet
Telephone
Country code: +39
Mobile telephony and Internet
Since June 2017, EU citizens traveling within the EU, and also in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein have been able to use their cell phones and surf the Net without incurring any extra charges: In other words, customers pay the same price for phone calls, text messages and data volume as they do at home. Restrictions do apply to the constant use of SIM cards abroad, however, and caps may be set on data packages. For full details, contact your mobile telephony provider in your country. Travelers using a SIM card from a non-EU state do not benefit from the new arrangement.
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking TANs entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in Palermo
Key Areas
All the smart shops are located along Viale della Libertà and streets running off it. Via Roma and Corso Vittorio Emanuele are more popular, the latter bisected by Via Maqueda, which has some independent boutiques. Art and ceramic shops are found on Corso Alberto Amedeo and on Via Nicolò Gallo.
Markets
Palermo has four main markets, the busiest of which is Capo-Ballarò where everyone goes for groceries. Otherwise, La Vucciria, between Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Roma, sells seafood, souvenirs and handicrafts. Further afield are Borgo Vecchio and Piazza Peranni, which sells antiques.
Shopping Centres
On Via Roma you’ll find La Rinascente department store, while on Via Cavour the Excelsior Supercinema Store offers mall-like shopping in 18 stores. The largest shopping centre with over 100 outlets is Forum Palermo in Brancaccio, 7km southeast of the centre.
Flight and accommodation
Traveller etiquette
Social conventions
The Roman Catholic church still plays an important role in Italy and has a strong influence on the country’s social structures. Family ties tend to be much stronger here than in many other European countries.
Casual clothing is common, but beachwear belongs on the beach. Appropriate clothing is expected when entering a church. Written invitations generally indicate whether a suit or a tuxedo/evening gown is required.
Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings and on public transportation in Italy, as well as in movie theaters, restaurants and bars. Bars and restaurants are permitted to set up smoking areas, however.
Tipping is not common in restaurants. Service charges, VAT and tourist tax are included in hotel bills. However, a tip of around €5 per week for chambermaids is customary. Restaurant bills generally include a standard charge for the tableware and bread (pane e coperto). Particularly satisfied customers are welcome to leave an additional tip on the table. Tipping is not expected in taxis, either.
Formal wear is usually indicated on invitations. Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, transport and cinemas. When visiting an Italian home for dinner, bring a small gift of sweets or chocolate, and dress well. Let your host lead when sitting and starting the meal. Take a small portion of what’s on offer as you will surely be cajoled into having another helping. If you do not want more wine, leave your glass full so it cannot be refilled.
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Health
Main emergency number: 112
Food & Drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink. Bottled water is available. The inscription ‘Acqua Non Potabile’ means water is not drinkable. Milk is generally pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Past outbreaks of brucellosis in southern regions means unpasteurised buffalo mozzarella is best avoided. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are considered safe to eat.
Other Risks
The World Health Organisation (WHO) also recommends vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, polio and hepatitis B.
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.