You cannot miss eating 'pani e...
by cielazzurro
You cannot miss eating 'pani e panelle' and 'pani ca meusa' at the 'Antica Focacceria San Francesco', in the old town at piazza San Francesco. The place is an institution in Palermo, it's in liberty style with marble tables (McDonalds, please come and learn!). Here the Palermitani hava always been going for a traditional snack for 200 years. After this experience you can say you know Palermo. Swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Mondello beach on a sunny day in early March or late October is what I miss most. You can have 8 months of summer in Palermo, average temperature being always above 25°C. And if you are there, don't miss the 'brioche con gelato al mellone' (fresh watermelon ice-cream in a brioche) at the Antico Chiosco in Mondello.
Monte Pellegrino - View of Palermo
by isolina_it
The particular geological conformation of Monte Pellegrino, not far from Palermo, with sheer rock walls that surround the area, has allowed the local vegetations and fauna to be preserved perfectly, protected from man’s interference and environmental changes as if they were inside a fortress.
Set up in 1996 to protect the rich biodiversity of the area, the Monte Pellegrino Nature Reserve stands on about 1000 hectares and is home to about a thousand species of plants, including 25 splendid types of orchids, and half the species of mammals that live in Sicily, together with reptiles and birds. The Reserve is also extremely important from a paleontological point of view: there are various fossils and ancient cave drawings inside the Reserve, as signs of ancient life.
The Cathedral
by SeaBreezeUSA
The Cathedral
During the Norman domination, in 1184 the archbishop of Palermo Walter Offamilio started the construction of a splendid cathedral to replace the Muslim mosque with a Christian church.
Over the centuries the additions and restorations modified the original building: the most radical change was made by Ferdinando Fuga in 1771 and in 1809. He was an architect from Florence and gave to the interior of the church a neoclassical aspect.
and Enrico Caruso
by marco2005
At the beginning of XIX century, Palermo has a period of urbanistic expansion. The new and rich upper class chose the north-west part of the city to build up brand new houses in the eclettic style.
In that zone was built, starting since 1875, one of the larger in Europe: the opera house "Teatro Massimo". Inaugurated on 16th May 1897 with Enrico Caruso amongst the others young tenors.
You can visit Tue-Sun 10am to 4pm.
Guided tour last 25 min, at the price of 3 euro.
aussie_latin's new Palermo Page
by aussie_latin
Palermo was once regarded as the grandest and most beautiful city in Europe. Today it is in a remarkable state of decay, due to the bombing during WWII, yet theres enough evidence of its golden days which make Palermo one of the most facisnating cities in Italy.
Palermo's gardens
Moorish-inspired cloister
hotel courtyard
Hours of opening and entry fees !
