What is a must-see when you find yourself on vacation in Palermo, even if only for a few hours? There is an itinerary that, even with just one day available, will allow you to visit the most beautiful places in the city.
Palermo Map
A proper tour can only begin at the Politeama Garibaldi. The structure was built over the course of 1867, a construction process that progressed very slowly with significant setbacks until 1891, when the official opening of the theater was celebrated in the presence of King Umberto and Queen Margherita.
Next, a visit to the Teatro Massimo is essential. It is the largest opera house in Italy and the third largest in Europe after the Paris National Opera and the Vienna State Opera. The structure was built on the same site where three churches and three monasteries previously stood.
Behind this construction lies a legend that tells how, during the building works, the tomb of a nun was desecrated, and her spirit, known in the city as La Monachella, still roams the halls of the theater.
At this point, you cannot leave without seeing the Palermo Cathedral, known by its full name, the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its history is truly unique; it was first a Paleochristian basilica, then a mosque, and finally a Christian church again.
From the outside, you can’t help but notice the Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements that also characterize the interior of the church, along with traces of Arab and Norman styles. Notably, inside the Cathedral are the relics of Saint Rosalia, the city’s patron saint, and the royal tombs of Frederick II and Roger II.
To complete a perfect map of Palermo, don’t miss the Norman Palace and the Palatine Chapel. It is the oldest royal residence in Europe, built under Arab rule and later expanded by the Normans. Today, the palace is the seat of the regional assembly and one of the most visited museums in Sicily. The museum tour includes the Royal Apartments, the Gardens, and the Palatine Chapel, the latter considered one of the most beautiful churches in the city and the entire island.
To conclude your last hours in Palermo, a visit to the Ballarò Market is a must. It is the oldest in the city, and anyone who decides to stop by, even for a moment, cannot help but enjoy the scent and colors of the fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables that enliven the various stalls. Among the many options, you will find several vendors of cooked foods, such as boiled or roasted vegetables, the classic panelle, sandwiches with spleen, or octopus. A true feast of lights and colors.
