Palermo, Sicily, Italy

 

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Sicily is the largest and one of the most densely populated islands in the Mediterranean. Over time, Sicily has been ruled by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans. Palermo, Sicily's capital, long a crossroads of civilizations, is known for its history, architecture, culture and gastronomy. (photo adapted from archipenzolo, Wikimedia Commons)

Sicily's natural landscapes include mountains, hills, gorges, grottoes, caves, and the active volcano, Etna.

We only saw a fraction of the many smaller towns scattered throughout the island.

Palermo is going through careful redevelopment, named the Italian capital of culture in 2018 and the host of Manifesta, an international contemporary art festival.

 Sicily's rich cultural background has been recognized by having 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

 

Palermo's massive cathedral was begun in 1185 and completed in the 18th century.

 

The interior of the cathedral is typical 18th Century neo-classical, with lovely chapels and redredos.

Albergheria district is known for its Arab-Norman architecture and Arabic garden design. Nearby are the grand Norman Palace and the Church of St. John of the Hermits.

Colonna dell Immacolata in San Domenico Square is a baroque church built in 1640.

The neoclassic Politeama Theatre, completed in 1891, accommodates 5,000 people. 

Palermo had some delightful modes of transportation available for vendors and for tourists.

The Church of San Cataldo built during the Norman kingdom commemorates the coexistence of people of different backgrounds and religions.

A monument in Piazza Vitoria Veneto commemorates the unification of Sicily and Italy.

 

A memorial to the fight against the Mafia commemorates the successful imprisonment of Mafia bosses in 1986.

 

The cathedral in Monreale, 7 miles inland from Palermo,  is considered one of the finest architectural legacies of the Italian Middle Ages.

Its interior has the largest concentration of Norman, Arab and Byzantine art such as these gold mosaics completed in 1184.

We found the Sicilians to be entrepreneurial and industrious, striving hard to overcome the damage done during the times of poverty, of Fascism, and of Mafia control.

Markets sell wines, cheeses, fish, cured meats, almonds, vegetables, pistachios, melons and citrus fruits.

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This site was last updated 06/24/23