Palermo is a city that you must see at least once in your life, that’s for sure . UNESCO has defined its historic center the largest in Europe , and this makes us realize how beautiful and how many treasures this city has. However what really characterizes the Sicilian capital are its endless and often absurd contradictions : so much beauty , so much history , so much culture and so many treasures are too many for a population living unaware of his fortune and always continues to admire what it lacks .
CATHEDRAL
Every self-respecting town has a beautiful cathedral that represent it , and Palermo is not the exception. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary of the Assumption this church embodies the cultural historical background of Sicily and its past dominations . Initially built for Christian worship in 600 , it was converted into a mosque by the Saracens in 800 and then transformed back into a Christian church in 1100 by the Normans . It ‘just this mixture of styles that make it so unique . Inside you will find works of Gagini and Villareille , as well as many treasures as the crown of the Empress Constance of Aragon , the famous Assumption of Velasquez , and more .
From the Cathedral start the festivities in honor of Santa Rosalia , the patron saint of the city .
PRETORIA FOUNTAIN Considered by many people one of the most beautiful fountains in the world , Pretoria Fountain is one of the most representative symbols of Palermo. It was originally built in Florence and then moved to Palermo after being purchased by the city senate. Inside allegorical statues that represent mythological gods and the 4 rivers of Palermo Oreto , Kemonia , Papireto and Maredolce.
NORMAN PALACE AND PALATINE CHAPEL
The presence of the Norman Palace , also known as Royal Palace, reminds us that Palermo once was the capital of the Two Sicilies Kindom and it hosted the king and later the viceroy . It is currently house of the Regional Assembly of Sicily and it is one of the most visited monuments of the island , in addition to being the oldest royal house in Europe . Today you can visit its magnificent rooms , as the Red Room , the Yellow Room , the Green Room , the Hall of Hercules , the Room of King Roger , etc … On the first floor of the building there is the splendid Palatine Chapel , a jewel of Byzantine art , dedicated to St. Peter the Apostle . The image of greater impact is the Pantocrator blessing , present in the dome .
MASSIMO THEATRE
Massimo theatre is one of the most representative jewels of the city of Palermo . It is the largest Italian lyric theater and the third in Europe , after the Paris Opera and the Vienna State Opera . Imposing , elegant , in one word beautiful . Impossible not to be dazzled by its enormous charm .
On the front , above the six columns of the entrance, it is inscribed with the phrase : ” Art renews peoples and reveals life. Vain of the scenes is the delight where it is not intended to prepare the future”
Mondello
Crystal blue sea and white sand Caribbean makes of Mondello one of the most beautiful beaches in the world . In summer it is heavily populated with swimmers and it is almost impossible to find a place to relax , but Mondello is beautiful throughout the year , when the sunny days offer wonderful walks on the waterfront , great food in the many local place , and why not , a regenerating bath out of season that never hurts .