• Museum of Inquisition at Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri in Palermo
    Provided by: Benjamín Núñez González/CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia

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Piazza Pretoria

Piazza Pretoria

The grandiose Piazza Pretoria captivates with its fountain, spreading proudly in front of Palazzo Pretorio (City Hall) as one of the major symbols of Palermo. The Pretoria Fountain was sculpted by Francesco Camilliani in 1574 and initially placed in Florence for a few years. It was then bought by the municipality and transported to Palermo. The fountain is a true masterpiece and is considered one of the most beautiful fountains in Italy. The nude figures adorning the fountain have got the most prudish population in the city to nickname the square "Piazza della Vergogna", (Square of Shame).
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Majolica Museum "Stanze al Genio"

Majolica Museum "Stanze al Genio"

A hidden gem in Palermo, Stanze al Genio is a private collection of nearly 5,000 intricately crafted majolica tiles, spanning from 15th to 20th century Sicily and Campania. Adorning the walls and floors of the 16th-century Palazzo Torre Pirajno's piano nobile, these hand-painted tiles resonate with artistic history. On display is also a small collection of vintage stationery and Italian toys. Visits are possible only via guided tours that must be booked in advance.
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Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria

The Chiesa di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in Palermo attracts visitors from all corners of the globe with its remarkable Sicilian Baroque architecture and ornate decor: the walls are full of ornamental paintings and there are vibrant frescoes, intricately carved statues, and stunning colourful marble interiors. Don't miss out on the magnificent majolica cloister and the view from the rooftop terrace. The bakery located inside the complex sells sweet treats prepared with century-old recipes from Sicily's convents.
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Church of Saint John of the Hermits

Church of Saint John of the Hermits

One of the finest examples of Medieval architecture in Palermo, the church of Saint John of the Hermits (Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti) is famous for its red domes and architectural design that was greatly influenced by the Arabs during the 12th century. This was originally a mosque that was later converted into a Christian church dedicated to Sicily's hermit monks. Walk along the pretty garden of regional plants and the ruins of the cloister.
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Zisa Palace

Zisa Palace

Zisa Palace is a 12th century castle built for King William I of Sicily. Its name derives from the Arabic word "al-Aziz", which means splendid. The original Norman building underwent some changes during the years, especially with the decorations added during the Baroque period. The Islamic inspiration for the architecture is clearly visible in the decorations of the vestibule, where Arabic vaults and columns are interposed by Baroque frescoes and marble decorations. Today, the castle houses a museum of Islamic art.
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Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri

Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri

Built in the early 14th century in Norman Gothic style, Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri, one of the symbols of Palermo, bears witness to a multifaceted history as both a tribunal and prison under the Inquisition from 1600 to 1782. Today, it serves as the headquarters of the University of Palermo, offering visitors a glimpse into history through its marvellous lecture halls adorned with intricate 14th-century wooden ceilings. The Inquisition Museum within its walls unveils the poignant narratives of prisoners through haunting graffiti and artworks, etching their stories onto the very cells that once confined them.
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Art Nouveau Kiosks

Art Nouveau Kiosks

The three Art Nouveau kiosks by architect Ernesto Basile appear like unexpected gems along the buzzing streets of Palermo. Built about the end of the 19th century, the kiosks once hosted the traditional Sicilian vendors of soft drinks and refreshing beverages but are today converted into tobacconists. Chiosco Ribaudo located in Piazza Verdi, the most famous one, is a crimson and wrought iron building adorned with golden letters. The second Ribaudo kiosk in Piazza Castelnuovo is decorated with colourful majolica and mosaics while the Chiosco Vicari, in front of the Teatro Massimo, is a triumph of Moorish, Islamic, and Colonial architecture.
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Monreale

Monreale

This little town with a population of nearly 40,000 lies in the mountains southwest of Palermo. Its postcard-perfect views are only rivalled by the UNESCO-listed Norman masterpiece that is the Monreale Cathedral, Italy’s largest medieval building which holds 6,000 square metres of Byzantine art. One of the most important examples of Norman architecture in Europe, the cathedral is covered in shimmering golden mosaics and also encompasses Arab, Byzantine, and Classical elements.
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Mondello

Mondello

Just a 30-minute bus ride from Palermo, Mondello is a small coastal resort boasting long beaches of white sand and blue waters. Dominated by the towering Art Nouveau pier pavilion, Mondello hosts many excellent seafood restaurants, hidden Liberty-style villas, and water sports opportunities. The area is popular with locals for its proximity to the city centre and can get crowded during the weekends. Nearby is also the mountainous nature reserve of Capo Gallo, ideal for hiking and kayaking.
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