Location: Palermo
Top Things to do in Palermo
Top 10 Architectural Buildings in Palermo, Sicily
Palermo is an urban melting pot characterized by history and culture so diverse that it often feels conflicted. Discover an intriguing range of architectural styles, from Arabian domes to baroque buildings, and enjoy delicious cuisine that spans a variety of origins. Be sure to visit the Palace of the Normans, the Palatine Chapel and the church of St. John of the Hermits. Art and music lovers won’t want to miss the Galleria d’Arte Moderna (the “GAM”), the Salinas or an opera or ballet at the Teatro Massimo.
Restaurants in Palermo
1. Palazzo Conte Federico
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 787 reviews
The palazzo is in the center of the old city only a few steps away from the Norman Palace. the Cathedral and the Market Ballarò. The oldest part of the palace is an Arab-Norman Tower of the 12th century. You can observe verious architectural styles, high painted ceilings of the 15th century, baroque ceiling frescoes by Vito D'Anna and Gaspare Serenario, various collections and original furniture. Since Count Federico's family, which can be followed back to the Hohenstaufen Emperor Friedrich II, has lived in this palace for centuries, the personal atmosphere makes a visit to this historical building a unique experience.
Reviewed By debm224
Small group tours with a member of the Federico family, who have lived in this fascinating historic building for many generations. A Norman tower from the original Palermo city wall is incorporated into the palazzo, and the history of the city is demonstrated with examples from renovations and additions. This is also a family home, with the cat’s climbing frame, portable heaters etc sitting alongside old treasures. We were welcomed by one of the sons, who was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic to share the family history - it was a highlight of our visit to Palermo.
2. Palazzo Natoli
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By ajc320 - Saint-Malo, France
Don’t hesitate to book this hotel , we have just finished a 4 night break and only wish we could have stayed longer . Palazzo Nattoli on the main boulevard surrounded by fabulous restaurants , bars, churches , the cathedral , and lots of lovely places hidden way to take shelter from the sun, drink coffee and watch the world go by. Our spacious room was tastefully furnished and designed with a chandelier, marble flooring and 2 balconies overlooking the Main Street, the room was immaculately clean and comfortable . Evenings were spent enjoying the food and local wines at the restaurants minutes walk away, at night we closed the shutters and it was so peaceful. The highlight of our holiday was a private trip arranged for us by Andrea Russo (General Manager) to Corleone, he arranged the trip with local guide Stephanie who was extremely knowledgeable and we had a most enjoyable day. We took a buffet breakfast each morning served by the beautiful Frederica with her wonderful smile and vibrant personality, and returned in the evening to a warm welcome from Mohammed. Palermo more than delivered our expectations, the hotel overdelivered . We will return again soon . Thankyou Andrea (General Manager) and your wonderful staff, for the attention to detail and personal service. We will be back.
3. Palazzo Drago Airoldi di Santa Colomba
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 96 reviews
Palazzo Drago Airoldi di Santa Colomba è annoverabile per posizione e sviluppo tra le dimore storiche siciliane più interessanti del Cassaro, l'attuale Via Vittorio Emanuele. Il recente restauro ha riconsegnato splendore alla struttura. La visita guidata permette di ammirarne l'architettura, gli interni con i soffitti affrescati e numerose opere d'arte.
Reviewed By tdyer_1999 - Rome, Italy
This was a lovely discovery in the heart of Arab-Norman Palermo, a stone's throw from the Cathedral. The palazzo was originally built in the 11th century apparently and developed in the centuries that followed. The current owner has lovingly restored the 18th and 19th century cieling frescoes and put on display an eclectic art collection comprising paintings, sculptures, ceramics as well as personal memorabilia dating back through his own family. He takes you on a personalised guided tour of the various rooms of the 'piano nobile' punctuated by historical and contemporary commentary. He is as full of character as the palazzo itself! An hour very well spent!
4. Norman Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,972 reviews
Reviewed By Sunshine631869
I didn't bother with the full visit. Just focused on the Capella Palatina which is enough, to be honest, because every inch is covered in lavish Byzantine mosaics illustrating biblical scenes. There's also plenty of Arabic influence, particularly in the geometric patterning of floor and wall tiles. You could study it for hours and you wouldn't begin to take it all in. Absolutely glorious! There's also an exhibition about the history of the Kingdom of Sicily and the Norman Palace on the ground floor. It's a bit haphazard and the English translations on the interpretation boards are absolutely shocking. It's almost impossible to follow them. You'd think they'd get native speakers to approve them but no, they just print up nonsense. Get what you can out of it but go for the mosaics. They are the real deal.
5. Church of San Francesco of Assisi -Chiesa di San Francesco d'Assisi
6. Palazzo Mirto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 587 reviews
Reviewed By ClaudLondon - London, United Kingdom
I loved this Palazzo. The visit is like travelling back in time and see how the aristocracy used to live 250 years ago in Europe. Silk wall coverings to every room, fine furniture, murano crystal chandeliers, precious finishes, exotic porcelains...A mix of rococò, neoclassic and Empire styles. They even have period carriages on display on the ground floor. The visit is self guided. The visitors are supplied with a guide translated in many languages and the staff is very kind. Ticket is as cheap as €6. Would recommend it!!
7. Palazzo Butera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Palazzo Butera, bought by Francesca and Massimo Valsecchi in 2016 with the aim of creating a versatile center for arts and culture in Palermo, starts a first phase of contact with the city. Cantiere Aperto – which means literally “open building site” – is an initiative that allows the public to visit the area where the renovation works are being completed. The palace is an open laboratory, drawing together history, arts and culture in an interdisciplinary exercise aimed at finding solutions for social development. Open to the city of Palermo and the world beyond, the ground floor will offer a reference library and many galleries for temporary exhibitions from both home and abroad. The first floor contains conference and events rooms. The second floor will accommodate a museum, displaying the Valsecchi art collection. Today most of the renovation has been completed. Only the second floor is still under restoration, but it will be completed in a few months.
8. Church and Monastery of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 440 reviews
The church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria is part of the monastery with which it shares the name. From 1311 to 2014 this monastery was the home of many cloistered nuns of the dominican order. Since 2017 it is possible to visit both the monastery and church as a museum. Inside the monastery there's the confectionary, where people can buy cakes and pastries realized with the old nun's recipes.
Reviewed By traveltheglobe0919 - Singapore, Singapore
Glorious and stunning! We almost skipped this but thankfully managed to squeeze in time for a quick visit. Wasn’t quite sure about what to expect but was immediately overwhelmed by the rich and excessive decorations once we stepped in. Almost every surface is covered with decorative marble, sculpture, paintings, etc. Take some time to appreciate the architecture, resplendent of Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo elements before heading over to the pastry shop for some of their famous cakes and sweets.
9. Villa Martorana Genuardi
10. Palazzo De Gregorio
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