Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THREE PERFECT DAYS
Medieval Masterpieces
Palermo's wealth of Arab, Norman and Byzantine masterpieces is enough to fill an entire day. Begin with the
city's crown jewel, Palazzo dei Normanni (
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), where the sparkling mosaics of King Roger's royal bed-
room are only a prelude to his magnificent Cappella Palatina (
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)
. In the afternoon, visit the dazzling Cat-
tedrale di Monreale (
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) or the architectural smorgasbords at Palermo's Cattedrale (
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) and San
Giovanni degli Eremiti (
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). End your day at Piazza Bellini (
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)
, home to the exquisite domed
churches of La Martorana (
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) and San Cataldo (
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).
Baroque Beauties
Admire the quartet of baroque facades at Quattro Canti and the exuberant cascade of naked nymphs at Fontana
Pretoria . Lunch nearby at Ferro di Cavallo (
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) or Maestro del Brodo (
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), then tour the city's
fabulous oratories (Santa Cita (
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), San Domenico (
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), San Lorenzo ), where Giacomo Ser-
potta's masterful stucco relief steals the show. After dinner, catch an opera at the equally ornate Teatro Massimo
(
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)
.
Under the Palermitan Sun
Wander through the bustling markets of Capo (
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) and Ballarò in the morning. Lunch on street snacks
from a sidewalk vendor amid the greenery of Orto Botanico (
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)
or Giardino Garibaldi (Piazza Marina;
24hr) , then spend the afternoon on the beach in nearby Mondello. In the evening, head to the Teatro di Ver-
dura (
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), Palermo's open-air summer theatre, and dine under the stars at the onsite cafe.
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Getting Around
Walking is the best way to experience central Palermo's markets and architecture. Traffic
and limited parking make driving challenging, and there's excellent public transport into
town from the airport. Palermo's port is a 10-minute walk from Piazza Politeama, heart of
the new city. From here, local buses whiz down Via Roma and Via Maqueda to Palermo
Centrale, where trains serve destinations near and far.
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Getting Away From It All
»
Ustica
Catch a ferry to one of the Med's top dive spots.
»
Villa Malfitana
Wander through the serene salons and gardens of this belle époque
mansion.
