What makes this tour special
Often referred to as ‘the most conquered city in the world’, Palermo is a melting-pot of culture, people, food and architecture. The Normans, Byzantines, Arabs and many other great civilizations have left their mark on the city, all of whose influence you will witness on this 4 hour walking tour.
Squares, Markets and Cobblestones
Your tour will start in one of Palermo’s most lively squares, Piazza Politeama, where many locals while away their free time playing games, gossiping, people-watching and hoping to be seen. Your guide will take you through piazza culture in the city and explain how any socially responsible Sicilian neglects the piazza at his/her cost.
You’ll walk south through the city’s maze of alleys and small walkways through Piazza Verdi, past one of the most prestigious and largest opera houses in Italy, the Teatro Massimo, and dive into Capo Market. The hustle-bustle of the market, especially in the morning, is unparalleled in the centre of the city and there’ll be ample opportunity for you to buy a snack, drink or talk to a few local vendors along the way.
Cathedral and Crossroads
After refreshments in the market you’ll be the perfect frame of mind to appreciate the spectacular Cathedral of Palermo which dates back to the 12th century. This historic building epitomises the multitude of architectural styles that have shaped modern-day Palermo.
Moving up Via Vittorio Emmanuele, you’ll walk through the historical centre of the city: Quattro Canti, an almost perfectly symmetrical square that exists as the meeting point of two of Palermo’s main thoroughfares. Finally, moving back towards the Piazza Verdi, the tour will end with one of the city’s highlights - the Martorana - whose architectural styles and spectacular interior tell the story of Palermo over the ages.
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