Palermo Vacations, Sicily, Italy

Palermo is the capital of Sicily and its largest city - stupendously sited in its own wide bay underneath the limestone bulk of Monte Pellegrino. Originally a Phoenician, then a Carthaginian colony, this remarkable city was long considered a prize worth capturing. After the first Punic war it passed from the Carthaginian hands to the Romans (254 - 253 B.C.) and later became a colony under the reign of Augustus.

Under the Arab domination it obtains great splendour: it becomes an emirate and will hold around 300 mosques. As an Arab reporter of the time describes, from the interior rise one could admire the red domes among the green of the Conca d’Oro. Finally Palermo became Norman in 1072 with a conquest by Ruggero d’Altavilla. Ruggero II raises it as capital of the Sicilian Reign and Federico II Houhenstaufen crowns it Capital of the Mediterranean Culture, creating the first Sicilian school. Palermo became the greatest city in Europe, famed for the wealth of its court and peerless as a centre of learning.

In the hands of the Angevin’s it passes through a phase of decline, due to the transfer of the Reign’s Capital to Naples. For the misgovernment, the population revolts: War of the Vespers (Easter 1282). In the course of its history, Palermo always searched for independence and the role as Capital.

In fact, this is revealed in the attempt of the Neapolitan Republic to impose the Bourbonist Constitution (1812). On the 27th of May 1860, the city hands itself over to garibaldi.

The long history of the city assures that there is a lot to see, although the city as a whole, as well as some of the sights, are in need of repair.

Nowadays Palermo is a fast, brash and exciting city. The mix of arabic and viking influences is one of the strangest and unexpected surprises the city has to offer. Buildings dating from the 11th and 12th century, the heyday of Medieval Sicily, offer this peculiar quality. The most noteworthy and an absolute must is the Palazzo dei Normanni. > Source: world66.com

Things To Do and See in Palermo

Palace of the Normans

(Palazzo dei Normanni), Palermo
This Norman Castle or "Zisa Castle" was completed by William II during the 12th

century, and is considered one of the most magnificent Arab-Norman

structures in the world.
Attraction type: Castle; Garden; Historic site

Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio

(La Martorana), Palermo
This chapel is known for its superb gold Byzantium mosaics.
Attraction type: Historic site; Religious site; Landmark/point of interest

Regional Archaeological Museum

(Museo Archeologico Regionale), Palermo
Attraction type: History museum; Museum

Monreale Duomo, Palermo
This jewel of Norman architecture is known for its magnificent series of

mosaics adorning the whole interior.
Attraction type: Religious site; Landmark/point of interest; Architectural building

Villa Romana del Casale, Palermo
Attraction type: Historic home; Art gallery; Architectural building

You may also be interested in...

- Traveler Reviews of Palermo

- Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Italy Photo Gallery & Map

- Unbiased Hotel Reviews, Photos and Travel Advice

TRAVEL & TOURISM INFO | by Trip Advisor

Tours & Activities in Palermo

Traveler Reviews

Hotels & Hotel Deals

Vacation Packages - Hotel + Air Deals

Quick Search (hotel prices & availability)