It’s impossible to say you’ve vacationed in Palermo without visiting one of the most famous streets in the Sicilian city, Corso Calatafimi. Just from the name, you can’t help but know what we’re talking about.
Corso Calatafimi in Palermo
Corso Calatafimi is a street that connects Monreale with Piazza Indipendenza. Generally, it can be divided into two sections: the upper part, which includes the nearby areas of Mezzomonreale, Borgo Molara, and Aquino Molara, located at the western edge of the city, and the lower part, adjacent to the Villa Tasca and Cuba neighborhoods.
Not everyone knows that during the Arab period, this area was part of the Royal Palace gardens, a green expanse with streams flowing through it. The name of the place was later changed, precisely in 1860, in honor of the town of Calatafimi, where Garibaldi’s victorious battle took place. It is there that the general is said to have uttered the famous phrase: “Here we make Italy or we die.”
Corso Calatafimi in Palermo: What to See
Once you understand that this area is divided into two sections, it’s worth exploring further. The upper part is a residential area that mainly extends along Via Filippo Paruta, where various commercial activities are located. The lower part contains one of the most important shopping areas, along with many tourist attractions, including Villa Di Napoli, the Punic Necropolis, Palazzo dei Normanni, La Cuba, San Giovanni degli Eremiti, Piazza Indipendenza, and Porta Nuova.
But that’s not all. A route not to be missed leads to the Ninni Cassarà Park, considered the true green lung connecting Corso Calatafimi to Viale delle Scienze, a place unfortunately closed to tourists since 2014. However, you can visit the Punic Necropolis, the large Cuba, and the Capuchin Catacombs.
Corso Calatafimi in Palermo: Where to Eat
There are several dining options along Corso Calatafimi, including Al Pollo 2000, Testagrossa, CaMus, and the pizzeria La Tramontina.
