Nestled comfortably in the Conca d'Oro coast or Valley of Gold, Palermo stands out among the many cities of Italy. Surrounded by magnificent landscapes, this city holds a rich history to discover among its diverse and breathtaking tourist sites. Founded by the Phoenicians, Palermo is a must-visit stop during your trip to Sicily.

History

Palermo, city of Sicily, boasts a rich past dating back to 734 BC. At that time, it was founded by the Phoenicians. A few years later, the city became part of Carthage's domain before becoming part of the Roman Republic. The city was then named "Panormus," a name of Greek origin, meaning "universal harbor of safety."

Between 831 and 1072, the city was under Arab rule and became the capital of the Emirate of Sicily under the name Palermo. After the Norman reconquest, Palermo became the capital of a new kingdom between 1130 and 1816 as well as the Holy Roman Empire under Emperors Frederick II and King Conrad IV. Currently, it is the capital of the Kingdom of Sicily.

Visiting Palermo

With a population of approximately 885,285 inhabitants, Palermo presents itself today as Sicily's largest city. Located more precisely in the northwest of the island of Sicily, beside the Gulf of Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea, this city is a highly sought-after tourist destination. Indeed, it attracts a considerable number of visitors from all corners of the world each year.

Simply stunning, this city will fully satisfy your desire for escape. At the heart of the city, you'll find an incredible atmosphere, with its historical and cultural richness and splendid monuments. With its many Roman, Gothic, and Baroque churches, its palaces and buildings, Palermo promises to amaze architecture enthusiasts.

Another noteworthy destination, the Antonio Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum stands out with its significant collections of Punic and Greek art that prove to be the richest and most important in Italy. Located on Piazza Cappuccini, to the west of downtown, the catacombs of the Capuchin convent are well worth a visit. These contain over 8,000 mummified former residents of Palermo and its surrounding villages. On-site, observe the wide array of simply clothed skeletons, others remarkably well preserved. Continue your stroll near Viale della Libertà avenue, which houses the Politeama Theatre on Piazza Croci—this place is the center of the city's Art Nouveau movement.

Among all these fabulous discoveries, you'll also find: Palazzo dei Normanni, QuattroCanti, the village of Monreale, Piazza Pretoria and Fontana Pretoria, the old church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Palatine Chapel, the Gesu Church, the church of San Giovanni dei Lebbrosi, the old Admiral Bridge, Favara Castle, street markets, and more.

Palermo's traditional gastronomy is influenced by Sicilian cuisine. Thus, food connoisseurs can appreciate delicious dishes in one of the city's many restaurants. Among others, try Catania's pasta alla Norma, Trapani's Cannoli, Pane e panelle, sfincione, pane ca' meusa, Arancini, and much more. Furthermore, this city's hotel offerings are very well diversified. From guesthouses to luxury suites and mid-range hotels, packages adapt to all preferences and budgets.

Climate

Palermo is fortunate to enjoy a Mediterranean climate with mild but humid winters and hot, dry summers. The summer season in Palermo begins around June and extends through September. During this period, the city's temperature ranges between 28°C and 31°C. September marks the end of summer and the arrival of autumn. Until mid-December, autumn records temperatures not exceeding 28°C. Nevertheless, remember to bring light sweaters as nights and early mornings can be cool. The spring season offers you pleasant mildness. From mid-March to late May, temperatures begin to rise, revealing weather conditions rather favorable for tourism. Winter runs from late December to early March and is marked by temperatures ranging between 8°C and 15°C.

Palermo is easily accessible by all means of transport, including plane, train, bus, and taxi.

By air, the city of Palermo is served by the Palermo International Airport. It is located approximately 32 km west of the city in Punta Raisi. The airport benefits from regular flights from several Italian cities and major European cities. From there, you can take the half-hourly shuttle to reach the city.

If you opt for a train journey, Palermo has a main railway station called Palermo Centrale, located on Piazza Giulio Cesare. It is connected with major Italian cities such as Rome, Naples, and even Milan.

There are also ferries that regularly shuttle between Palermo's port and the following ports: Salerno, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Naples, Malta, Cagliari, and Tunis.

Various means of transport are available in Palermo. For your travels, favor buses which offer affordable fares. If you prefer comfort, opt for car rental. Otherwise, as the city permits, you can visit most interesting sites on foot.