Palermo is the capital city of the Italian island, Sicily. It is one of the most popular destinations for tourists to stay when they visit the island. Even if you are staying elsewhere in Sicily, you should definitely make the effort to visit the capital as there are plenty of things to see and do in and around the city. Here are 8 of the things you should include in your itinerary if you are visiting Palermo.
1. Palermo Cathedral
The cathedral is one of the most prominent and architecturally interesting structures in the city. The original part was built in 1185 and the numerous additions and extensions continued
2. Watch a Puppet Theatre Show
One of the longest standing traditions in Italy is the ‘Opera dei Pupi’. There are very few places in the world where you will find similar entertainment, so this is a unique activity for your vacation.
3. Take a Swim
The rocky cliffs, sandy beaches and clear blue waters along the coast are stunning. The climate is perfect for taking a dip in the sea or relaxing on the beach.
4. Visit the Foot Markets
Not only are these a great place to buy fresh, local produce, they are also a fantastic way of trying delicious street food. At the end of the day when the stalls are packed away, the bars in the area come to life. The three main markets are Ballaro’, Capo and Vucciria.
5. Eat Local Seafood
The coastal location of Palermo means that the fresh seafood there is out of this world. Many of the cafes and restaurants sell daily specialties featuring seafood and these are something you should try during your stay.
6. Visit Capuchin Catacombs
A rather macabre attraction to say the least, yet still well worth a visit. The Capuchin Catacombs are home to hundreds of mummified bodies and is divided into sections in accordance with the status of the deceased. There is a perfectly preserved body of a little girl who sadly passed away in 1982.
7. Go to Palazzo dei Normanni
Once the seat of the Kings of Sicily, this is also known as the Royal Palace of Palermo. While you are visiting the Palazzo, you should also visit the Palatine Chapel on the ground floor.
8. Watch an Opera at Teatro Massimo
Teatro Massimo was the first Italian opera house and the third largest in Europe. Not only is this a beautiful place to visit, but it is also a great opportunity to experience some musical culture. There is a packed itinerary of ballet, operas and other performances throughout the year.
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- Main Image: Denilo Vieira on Unsplash
