30 Must-Visit Spots to Fall in Love with Palermo, the Capital of Sicily

We will introduce recommended sightseeing spots in Palermo, the largest city in Sicily. Palermo is a city where you can still see the influence of the Arab era in the city, giving it a somewhat exotic atmosphere. In addition to its history, culture, and architecture, the city's rich nature and food culture are also very attractive. In this article, we will introduce 30 must-see sightseeing spots in Palermo, located in the northwest of Sicily.

1. Martorana Church

The Martorana Church, packed with things to see, is a must-see tourist spot when you visit Palermo. The biggest attraction is the glittering gold mosaics! Just looking at the Stories of Mary, Christ, and the Annunciation, you will feel as if you are being drawn in by their beauty, and your soul will be cleansed.

Of these, the mosaic of the scene in which the King of Sicily is crowned by Christ is a must-see, as it gives a glimpse into the relationship between the Kingdom of Sicily and the Catholic Church. The Church of San Cartado is next door, so it might be interesting to enjoy the differences between the two churches.

2. Teatro Massimo

The Teatro Massimo is the largest theater in Italy. Its impressive exterior is a symbol of Palermo. It is also famous for being used as a filming location for the movie "The Godfather." In addition to opera viewing, theater tours are also popular with tourists.

3. Pretoria Square

The artistic Piazza Pretoria, lined with many marble sculptures, is located just a few minutes from Palermo's port. It is also close to the Quattrocanti, and is like an oasis where you can take a break and relax while looking at the Renaissance fountain.

At dusk, the square is lit up, creating a romantic atmosphere that is a stark contrast to the daytime atmosphere. It is also recommended to enjoy Piazza Pretoria both during the day and at night. There are many tourist attractions in Palermo close to Piazza Pretoria, so it is a great place to take a break or meet up after sightseeing.

4. Quattrocanti

If you're visiting Palermo, you should definitely stop by Quattrocanti. This is the intersection where Palermo's two main streets intersect.

The walls of the four buildings facing each other are cut off in an arch to make them look symmetrical. You'll also find fountains and sculptures representing the four seasons, which will make you stop and stare. You'll be amazed at the size of the crossroads, but be sure to take a look at the carefully crafted buildings.

5. Normandy Palace

If you visit the Palazzo Normanni while sightseeing in Palermo, the first thing that will catch your eye is the exterior of the palace. The exterior is in a unique Arab-Norman style. The walls of the Palazzo Normanni were built by Arabs, and the Normans were involved in the expansion and renovation, so it is called the Arab-Norman style.

The Palatine Chapel and King Roger's Rooms inside are also very impressive. They may be in use on some days of the week, so it is best to check in advance which days they are open before visiting.

In addition, the corridor on the second floor of the Palazzo Normanni features mosaics that have been carefully painted one by one. Why not stop by the Palazzo Normanni, a classic Palermo tourist spot, and experience its unique atmosphere?

6. Capo Market

Capo Market is one of the three famous markets in Palermo. It is recommended to take a tour of the market that supports the local people's kitchens while sightseeing. Capo Market is behind the Massimo Theater, so be sure to stop by when you visit the theater. If you're hungry, you can enjoy shopping with the locals!

7. Church of San Domenico

San Domenico Church, located on Palermo's Via Roma, is a Baroque-style church. San Domenico Church is not flashy or gorgeous, but has a calm exterior. It is one of Italy's most representative churches, and has historical significance, so be sure to visit it when you're sightseeing in Palermo.

8. Politeama Theatre

The Politeama Theater in Palermo is a theater with a presence that is just as impressive as the Teatro Massimo. The Politeama Theater has a column-shaped exterior with a façade that resembles a triumphal arch when viewed from the front. Atop it is a four-horse bronze chariot that is particularly eye-catching.

It is enjoyable just to look at it from the outside, but since you have come all the way there, it would be nice to go inside and explore. The Politeama Theater, built in the late 9th century, is a tourist spot that you should definitely visit along with the Teatro Massimo.

9. Cathedral

The cathedral tells the story of Palermo's history. It is characterized by the mixture of various architectural styles.

The cathedral was first built in the 4th century as a Christian church. It has since been expanded and remodeled many times, incorporating different architectural styles such as Arab-Norman and neoclassical styles each time, resulting in the cathedral as it is today. You can feel the history just by looking at it. Inside, there is a treasure vault containing a tiara, and the sarcophagus of the first Norman king, making it a tourist spot in Palermo that is full of things to see.

10. Garibaldi Gardens

Garibaldi Gardens are located in the classical atmosphere of Palermo. It's the perfect oasis to take a break from your sightseeing tour of Palermo. There's a market nearby, so you can pick up some takeaway lunch and enjoy it at your leisure in Garibaldi Gardens. Don't miss the banyan tree, which is over 100 years old!

11. Vucciria Market

Vucciria Market, which sells a wide variety of fresh foods and spices, is a popular shopping spot for locals. It is located on a side street off the square in front of the Church of San Domenico, and is a great spot for those who want to enjoy sightseeing while interacting with locals.

Many shops in Vucciria Market close around noon, so it is recommended to go in the morning. Many shops turn into bars and clubs at night, making it a Palermo tourist spot that can be enjoyed at night.

12. Capuchin Catacombs

If you go to the Capuchin Catacombs, you can see a considerable number of mummies and skeletons. If you are interested in mummies, it is a good idea to go to one of the tourist attractions in Palermo. Many tourists go to the Capuchin Catacombs by bus or on foot. In the Capuchin Catacombs, mummies and skeletons are lined up from the bottom to the top of the walls. You can experience an indescribable atmosphere.

You can also see the Rosario mummy, known as the most beautiful woman in Palermo. The Capuchin Catacombs are located away from the center of Palermo, but if you are going to enjoy sightseeing in Palermo, it is worth visiting. It may be a little scary, though. Please note that photography is not allowed at this tourist spot.

13. Palatine Chapel

The Palatine Chapel is a chapel located in the Normandy Palace. If you visit the Normandy Palace while sightseeing in Palermo, be sure to stop by the Palatine Chapel on the second floor. You will be captivated by its gorgeous beauty, which is one of the top two churches in Palermo. Although it is relatively small in size, the mosaics are studded with gold, and the walls and altar are glittering! And the geometric patterns are more than enough to be impressive.

14. Porta Nuova

Porta Nuova is a mix of Renaissance, Arab, and Norman styles. This gate, which exudes a somewhat exotic atmosphere, is located at the eastern end of Via Vittorio Emanuele.

At the top of Porta Nuova, there are reliefs of four Muslim prisoners, creating a unique atmosphere. The biggest landmark of Porta Nuova is its pyramid-shaped roof, which features a lantern on top. It is a tourist spot in Palermo that you can see by car or up close on foot.

15. Ballarò Market

Ballarò Market is located between the Church of San Giovanni Eremiti and the Church of Gesu. Shops are lined up on both sides of the road. It is characterized by many shops selling fresh foods such as fish and vegetables, but there are also shops selling other clothing and miscellaneous goods. It is also popular with tourists because you can buy Sicilian wine and local cheese.

There is also a snack stand that sells freshly fried arancini and something called panelle, which is unique to the region. Panelle is made of flattened chickpeas that are deep-fried. It's nice that you can buy them and eat them easily.

16. Rosario in Santa Chita

Rosario in Santa Chita is one of the churches in Palermo. When you enter, the pure white sculptures will catch your eye first. All of these sculptures were made by the famous Sicilian sculptor Serpotta. The pure white space gives you the feeling that time has stopped. Let's pick it up as a possible tourist spot in Palermo.

17. Church of Jesus

The Church of the Gesu is a tourist spot that leaves an impression with the contrast between its calm exterior and its glamorous interior. The interior of the Church of the Gesu is entirely in the Sicilian Baroque style, and you will be captivated by the gorgeous frescoes on the ceiling and the beauty of the marble. The Church of the Gesu is a must-see tourist spot in Palermo!

18. Mount Pellegrino

Mount Pellegrino is known as the "Holy Mountain" by the people of Palermo. The spectacular views from here are popular with tourists. You can get to Mount Pellegrino by bus or car. There are many scenic spots here and there, so if you are driving, be sure to get off and enjoy the view.

If you go to Mount Pellegrino, be sure to visit the Church of the Holy Rosary, also known as the Holy Cave Church. Back in the 17th century, during the plague epidemic, people were saved by a revelation from the Holy Rosary, and the church was built as a memorial.

19. Mondello Beach

Mondello is bustling with people on sunny days from May to October. If you want to see the sea while sightseeing in Palermo, be sure to visit Mondello. Mondello was originally a fishing village, but in the 19th century, it became prosperous as aristocrats and the bourgeoisie built many villas here.

20. State Art Museum

The next recommended tourist spot in Palermo is the Regional Museum of Sicily, located in a formal area. The Regional Museum of Sicily, which is also featured in Palermo tourist guidebooks, is a small museum that occupies the Palazzo Abattas, a palace built in the late 15th century.

As soon as you enter the museum, you will notice a large fresco called "The Triumph of Death," a work from the mid-15th century. It is a huge painting measuring 4m x 4m. Also, the painting "The Annunciation" by Antonello da Messina from 1473 is a must-see!

21. Palazzo Conte Federico

Palazzo Conte Federico, a count's residence built in the 12th century, is a popular tourist destination. The original furniture and paintings by famous artists from the time Palazzo Conte Federico was built have been left intact, making it a sight to behold. When you visit, be sure to also take note of the magnificent ceiling paintings. Palazzo Conte Federico also has a

variety of other collections, including weapons and pottery. Be sure to visit Palazzo Conte Federico, where you can get a glimpse of 17th-century Palermo.

22. Chiaramonte Palace

Palazzo Chiaramonte is currently used as the judicial office. As a historic palace, it is one of Palermo's top tourist spots. It is a fortress building, characterized by its square shape. Palazzo Chiaramonte has a courtyard called an atrium in the middle and was built around this. Many tourists visit Palazzo Chiaramonte to see the historic building with their own eyes.

23. Church of San Cataldo

The Church of San Cataldo is characterized by its three red domes. It is located in a place facing Piazza Bellini. It was recognized for its high artistic quality and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2015.

The Church of San Cataldo was once influenced by Arabic elements, as reflected in its distinctive red domes. Compared to European churches, the Church of San Cataldo gives a more modest impression. If you are visiting Palermo, why not take the time to visit the Church of San Cataldo?

24. Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti

Like the Church of San Cataldo, the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti is also a tourist spot registered as a World Heritage Site. You can feel the exotic atmosphere from the Islamic architecture. When you enter the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, look up at the stone ceiling. You can see beautiful patterns.

25. Sicily Regional Archaeological Museum

Facing Oliveira Square is the Sicilian Regional Archaeological Museum, one of Palermo's tourist attractions.

This museum displays precious items such as stone monuments, pottery collections, sculptures, and sarcophagi excavated in Sicily. You can see sculptures from the ruins of the Temple of Selinunte, a mosaic of Orpheus and animals, and a real bronze ram from the Greek era. It can be crowded with tourists in Palermo, but depending on the time of day and the day of the week, it can be empty, so it is recommended as a hidden tourist spot.

26. San Domenico Rosary

The Rosary of San Domenico is a chapel next to the Church of San Domenico. Many people who visit the Church of San Domenico while sightseeing in Palermo often stop by this chapel as well. When you enter the Rosary of San Domenico, the first thing that catches your eye is the beautiful stucco decorations.

They were created by sculptor Giacomo Cervotta and are sure to captivate tourists. Even more eye-catching is the altarpiece at the central altar of the Rosary of San Domenico. The shining painting is "Our Lady of the Rosary, Saint Domenico, and the Patron Saint of Palermo." It's a tourist spot you'll want to visit along with the Church of San Domenico.

27. Mirto Palace

Originally a palace for a distinguished nobleman, the Mirto Palace was built in the 13th century. It was renovated in the late 18th century, and can now be seen in its current form. It offers a glimpse into the lives of the nobility and is visited by a constant stream of tourists. The palace is closed on certain days, and opening hours are different from the usual hours on Sundays, so we recommend checking in advance if you plan to visit.

28. Piazza Bellini

Piazza Bellini, where you can see the Martorana Church and the San Cataldo Church, is a square named after Vincenzo Bellini, an opera composer from Palermo. It is known as a popular photo spot for the two churches when touring Palermo's tourist sites. It has a different atmosphere from the neighboring Piazza Pretoria.

29. Ustica Island

Ustica is a volcanic oval island made of lava from volcanic eruptions. Many caves can be seen along the coastline of Ustica. Some of the most well-known caves are the Blue Grotto, the Green Grotto, and the Golden Grotto.

The Blue Grotto is a tourist spot known only to those in the know, and unlike the famous Blue Grotto in Naples, it has a reputation for being able to be enjoyed at your leisure regardless of the weather. You can even swim inside the cave. If you are visiting Palermo, why not extend your trip to Ustica and explore the caves?

30. Church of San Francesco d'Assisi

San Francesco d'Assisi Church is a church built near Victorio Emangiore Boulevard in Palermo's old town. It is known as the first monastic church in Palermo. Built in the 13th century, San Francesco d'Assisi Church was damaged by a bomb in 1943, and restoration work was carried out, and it was restored to its original appearance.

At the front of San Francesco d'Assisi Church, you can see a Gothic door, and the doors on the left and right are in the Renaissance style. The statues are famous and well worth seeing! There is also a treasure room where you may see tapestries and religious items. San Francesco d'Assisi Church is a must-see when sightseeing in Palermo!

Summary

We have introduced 30 recommended tourist spots in Palermo, Italy. Palermo has many tourist spots full of things to see. Please enjoy the charm of Palermo, including its buildings and history that blend cultures such as Renaissance and Islam.