sicily holidays | sicily vacation | hotels in sicily

Sicily couldn’t enjoy a more eclectic and splendid chief city than it already is. Palermo wins out over all other Sicilian cities, being number one in top of the island’s largest. The bay that the city resides in is magnificent and the view it enables puts the city in the narrowed down list of holiday destinations.

It is not only nowadays that Palermo tickles people’s fancy. In ancient times, multiple civilizations desired to get their hands on the area and exploit it, which subsequently happened. It was originally occupied by Phoenicians (in those times it was named Zis which means “flower”) followed by the Carthaginians which turned it into a colony (named Panormos). During the first Punic war it was conquered by the Romans (245 BC) and later on it was turned into a colony under the high patronage of Augustus. The Arabs inoculated their features by turning Palermo into a splendid sight. After the Norman Conquest the city became a notable city worldwide and the greatest of Europe.

The present eclecticism is obviously built on a dynamic history which did leave its marks. One of the most peculiar features resides in the combination of Arabic and Viking characteristics that can be closely observed in buildings from the 11th and the 12th centuries. Palermo’s monuments attract waves of tourists due to the rich testimonials that denote origins from notable periods, although the constructions have been severely damaged over the years. The Norman style is displayed by buildings such as the Cathedral (1184) built by Archbishop Gualtiero Offamilio and the Chiesa of Santo Giovanni degli Eremiti (Church of Saint John of the Hermits). Dating from the same era, edifices such as Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (Church of Saint Mary of the Admiral) and Chiesa del Magione (Church of the dwelling) of the 12th century complete the Norman collection.

The star of Palermo is without question Palazzo dei Normanni (Normans’ Palace). It represents an emblematic example of Norman architecture and it is twice interesting as it also houses Cappella Palatina. Other palaces not less important than the Normans’ Palace are the Zisa (1160) and Cuba, extraordinary buildings that were used by the kings for satisfying their hunting habits. Palazzo Abatellis was built in the late years of the 15th century in the name of local prefect Francesco Abatellis. The Catalan Gothic style is honored in this elegant edifice. The inner gallery hosts an impressive art collection which gathers names such as Laurana, Gossaert and da Messina.

The Teatro Massimo (Greatest Theatre) is the largest in Italy and the third largest European theatre. As all other architecturally notable cities of Sicily, Palermo reserves for its explorers a wide range of churches of which many bear the fingerprints of the Sicilian Baroque Style. Santa Teresa alla Kalsa (1686- 1706) is one of the most exquisite examples of this kind. Chiesa del Gesu also incorporates Sicilian Baroque elements joined by late Renaissance features. The Church of the Magione (Church of the Holy Trinity) was founded in 1191 as a representative of the Norman Style.

The typical Mediterranean climate offers mild winters and warm dry summers. The Mediterranean influences manifest in the gastronomical area as well, offering a cuisine that delights gormandizers with extraordinary, refreshing, delicious local dishes. It seems that one day spent in Palermo can unequivocally become a pageant of cultural discoveries, architectural revealing and gastronomical mastery, and this is one combination that can hardly be topped.