Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Venus & Eros frescoes, the
Sala dei Venti
, adorned with mosaics of geese, papyrus, lions,
leopards and palms, and the
Sala di Ruggero II
, King Roger's mosaic-decorated bedroom.
Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti
MAP
CHURCH
GOOGLE MAP
( 091 651 50 19; Via dei Benedettini 16; adult/ reduced €6/3; 9am-6:30pm Tue-Sat, 9am-1pm Sun & Mon)
This remarkable, five-domed remnant of Arab-Norman architecture occupies a magical
little hillside in the middle of an otherwise rather squalid neighborhood. Surrounded by a
garden of citrus trees, palms, cactus and ruined walls, it's built atop a mosque that itself
was superimposed on an earlier chapel. The peaceful Norman cloisters outside offer
lovely views of the Palazzo Normanno.
Mercato di Ballarò
MAP
MARKET
GOOGLE MAP
Snaking for several city blocks east of Palazzo dei Normanni is Palermo's busiest street
market, which throbs with activity well into the early evening. It's a fascinating mix of
noises, smells and street life, and the cheapest place for everything from Chinese padded
bras to fresh produce, fish, meat, olives and cheese - smile nicely and you may get a taste.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Capo
Northwest of Quattro Canti is the Capo neighbourhood, another densely packed web of
interconnected streets and blind alleys.
Cattedrale di Palermo
MAP
CATHEDRAL
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.cattedrale.palermo.it
;
Corso Vittorio Emanuele; Norman tombs & treasury adult/reduced €3/1.50; 8am-7pm)
A feast of geometric patterns, ziggurat crenulations, majolica cupolas and blind arches,
Palermo's cathedral is a prime example of the extraordinary Arab-Norman style unique to
Sicily. The interior's most interesting features are the Norman tombs of Roger II and other
Sicilian royalty, and the cathedral treasury, home to Constance of Aragon's fabulous gem-
encrusted, gold-filigreed 13th-century crown.
Mercato del Capo
MARKET
