The capital of Sicily is causing extreme emotions – from admiration of the vibe of the city to disappointment at lack of typical touristic attractions. It will definitely appeal those who are looking for good weather, exquisite cuisine and authenticity.
Palermo is neglected, full of traffic jams and dirty, and still it is one of the most eagerly visited places in Italy. Why? It is real and you can feel there a true dolce far niente spirit. Where is it worth to go? Surely to streets Roma and Corso Vittori Emanuele, as well as to neighbourhood of the harbour, where you can not only admire beautiful views, but also get typical Italian snacks from street vendors. It is worth to see, among others, Cappella Palatina w Palazzo dei Normanni, the Cathedral situated by the Royal Palace from the from the 11th century (Norman one) with unique mosaics dated back to the 12th century. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Make sure also to go to the urban cathedral which is Cattedrale di Palermo, that is considered by architecture experts as designer’s nightmare. It was undergoing many renovations and expansions, due to which it is hard to describe which architectural style it is representing now. It is worth to enter the terrace on its roof to admire the city’s panorama. An interesting, but a bit controversial place, are catacombs Convento dei Cappucini. A must see is Piazza Bellini, a square by which there are situated three original churches, such as San Cataldo or La Martorana.
Palermo is a destination of many culinary trips, as it is famous for really tasty and cheap street food. The best stands can be found each evening at the street Discesa Maccheronai near Piazza San Domenico. It is worth to try there arancini, baked rice balls stuffed with, for instance, cheese, meat or spinach, panino panelle e crocchè, bun with sesame with fried on deep fat potatoes or chickpea cutlets, as well as grilled sea food, for e.g. vongole, oysters, shrimps or squids. In Sicily you can also try caponata, which is vegetable stew from cooked eggplants and speciality of Palermo – pane ca’ meusa, fried veal spleen in bun.
