Location: Province of Palermo
Top Things to do in Province of Palermo
Top 10 Things to do in Province of Palermo, Sicily
The Province of Palermo (Italian: provincia di Palermo; Sicilian: pruvincia di Palermu) was a province in the autonomous region of Sicily, a major island in Southern Italy. Its capital was the city of Palermo. On August 4, 2015, it was replaced by the Metropolitan City of Palermo.
Restaurants in Province of 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. 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.
3. Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,631 reviews
This chapel is known for its superb gold Byzantium mosaics.
Reviewed By Jazzumbo - Campulung, Romania
Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (Church of the Admiral) was built about 900 years ago by Muslim constructors for an Orthodox Christian admiral – George of Antioch, who paid mosaic crafters from Constantinople to come to Palermo and decorate it with stunning Byzantine mosaics. One of the mosaics depicts George of Antioch praying to Virgin Mary, while another one shows the Norman King Roger of Sicily receiving the power and crown directly from Jesus. After the death of the admiral, the church became Catholic and starting from XVI century went under several transformations and restorations. Currently, some of the Byzantine mosaics, displaying messages in Greek language, are still visible near the Catholic frescoes painted in XVIII century, while the high altar is Baroque. Since George of Antioch was fluently speaking Arabic, there are also some Arabic inscriptions on two of the columns, so the mixture of styles and influences in this church is really mind-blowing.
4. Cattedrale di Palermo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,166 reviews
This cathedral was started in 1185 by the norman archbishop Gualtiero Offamilio. You can visit the Royal and Imperial tomb of Frederik the II, the urn with the relics of the patron Saint of Palermo Santa Rosalia, plus a treasury with a precious medieval crown and a crypt from the VII century. The church is free to enter, there is a ticket to access the monumental area composed by royal tombs, treasury, crypt and the roof.
Reviewed By israroz - Ra'anana, Israel
The location of the large and impressive building of the Palermo Cathedral is the place where a basilica was built in early Christianity and with the Muslim conquest of Sicily on the ruins of the Basilica a Muslim mosque was built, many Muslim motifs have survived to date and can be seen in several places in the Cathedral. The cathedral is rich in exceptionally large and remarkably interesting variety of works of art from different historical periods. Roof climbing provides the climbers a wonderful rooftop views of Palermo. Sunset hours are highly recommended. “NOT 2 B MISSED”
5. Rocca di Cefalu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,626 reviews
Reviewed By stempster - Potomac, United States
A great hike up La Rocca from Cefalu leads to an old walled compound with a Temple and ancient cistern along the way. Strenuous, especially on a warm day (no hiding from the sun), so hydrate. But the payoff at the top is fantastic views. A must do activity when in Cefalu.
6. Duomo di Cefalu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,291 reviews
An amazing trip in the Beauty! Visit the Cathedral, explore the Itinerary with the Towers, the Roofs, the Treasure and the Canonical Cloister! Live the Beauty! • VISIT ITINERARIES ARE TEMPORARILY CLOSED •
Reviewed By SallyF906 - Northampton, United Kingdom
Situated at the top of the Piazza Duomo, the cathedral was built in 1131 by King Roger II after he was saved from a storm at sea and safely landed in Cefalu. It is built in complex architectural style - Norman but carried out by Arab and Byzantine craftsmen. The facade is flanked by two large bell towers which can now be visited for a small fee - something I wish we had done. Entrance to the cathedral is free but you can also pay to get closer to the mosaics and to visit the cloister - worth the money. The entrance doorway is within three arches at the top of a flight of stone steps. The interior has 3 naves separated by columns made of granite and marble. The wooden ceiling has painted beams with an Islamic influence. High up in the apse is the most famous feature - the Byzantine mosaic Christ Pantocrator - this is stunning and definitely worth paying a few euros to get a more close up view. This work predates the mosaics in Monreale cathedral by 20 to 30 years. Surrounding this are mosaics of the Virgin Mary, Archangels and Apostles. You can now also visit the recently restored cloisters and you pass through several rooms before you reach this which are full of interesting paintings and religious artefacts.
7. Teatro Massimo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,428 reviews
One of the biggest opera houses in Europe, Teatro Massimo is renowned for its excellent acoustiscs and holds over 1,300 seats.The venue hosts more than 130 music, opera and dance events every year.The exteriors are in neo-classical style with influences from Greek Sicilian temples, while the interiors are art-nouveau.
Reviewed By Jasonleg - Cape Town Central, South Africa
Had an amazing tour of the Teatro Massimo. Purchased tickets in the morning and went on the tour. Wonderful to move around the theater and see from inside the main seating area, to an opportunity to see the private royal box. The sheer size and images make this a truly magical space. Favorite place in Sicily.
8. Cefalu Coast
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,351 reviews
Reviewed By 346ah - London, United Kingdom
Having visited Palermo, Trapani, Agrigento, Ortigia and Taormina, I have to say our last stop at Cefalu ultimately had it all. Lovely clean beach, clear water with few waves (ideal for little kids), charming streets and nice restaurants. Every other place excelled in one way or another, but Cefalu ticked all the boxes. Ideal even for a long weekend.
9. Santuario Santa Rosalia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 974 reviews
Reviewed By 724vancew - Cardiff, United Kingdom
we caught the 812 from Via Don Sturzo just around the corner to Teatro Politeama. Buy a day ticket from the kiosk just over the road to the bus stop. the buses are not as regular as some so check your times for your return at the bus stop. the ride is fantastic up Monte Pellegrino, sharp corners and hairy drops - but the views over the City are superb. the sanctuary is up a fair flight of steps - the grotto and sanctuary is absolutely beautiful, there was a family praying and making incantations to Santa Rosalia whilst we were there, which added to the overall spiritual ambiance. down the flight of stairs there is a small plaza of cafes and souvenir stalls.we took advantage to walk further up the mountain to take in the views. All very tranquil and the buses all stick to the time table - don't worry if the bus appaers to take off 20 mins early as it goes further round the mountain then returns.
10. Lido Finanza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By DTM56 - Cambridge, United Kingdom
This is a lovely long sandy beach, not too crowded. The east end (towards Palermo) is pretty much a normal beach but also worth walking up to the west end of the beach in what is presumably "old Mondello" with dozens of fishing boats around the old harbour.
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