Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is a very different city from the rest of Italy. To visit Palermo is to venture into the heart of Sicily's history, its unique atmosphere and the culture of its people.
Founded around the 8th century B.C. by Phoenician traders, it has a complex history and has seen many civilizations pass through it: Roman, Arab, Norman, Byzantine, French and Spanish! Palermo is a city that is best discovered on foot. It has a gigantic historic centre, criss-crossed by narrow, dark streets that lead to both sumptuous palaces and ruined monuments. From the Norman Palace to the famous Mondello beach, dozens of monuments await you. In terms of gastronomy, Palermo is a must-see for those who love street food.