The streets of Palermo look muchbbetter during day time. Though buildings are falling down, so hurry up if you want to see that view. Some streets were quite dirty and full of trash. I will make a separate blog post about the dark side of Sicily.
First we walked to see Colonna dell’Immacolata in Plaza San Domenico next to San Domenico Church (Chiesa San Domenico) which we didn’t manage to get in unfortunately.
The Colonna dell’Immacolata (Column of the Immaculate) is a monument located in the city of Palermo, Sicily. It was commissioned by the city’s mayor, Francesco Gioeni, in 1857 to commemorate the dogma of the Immaculate Conception proclaimed by Pope Pius IX in 1854. The monument was designed by the Sicilian sculptor Giuseppe Serpotta and is composed of two large marble columns, each one topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary, the patroness of Palermo. The columns are decorated with reliefs of angels and symbols of the Immaculate Conception, such as lilies, stars, and a dove.
The monument was erected in Piazza Caracciolo, near the Quattro Canti, and was inaugurated in 1859 by the mayor of Palermo. Since then, the Colonna dell’Immacolata has become a symbol of the city and is visited by many tourists and pilgrims every year.
Then we strolled by Massimo Theater which looks really impressive! Great example of classicism architecture!
Massimo Theater, or Teatro Massimo, is an opera house and the largest theater in Italy and the third largest in Europe.
The theater has also been used as a filming location for a number of films, including “The Godfather Part III” and “The Talented Mr. Ripley”. It also featured prominently in the television series “Inspector Montalbano”.
Massimo Theater remains one of the most beloved attractions in Palermo and is a testament to the city’s long cultural and artistic history.
After that we headed to Cattedrale di Palermo. Magnificent building and must see in Palermo!
The Cattedrale di Palermo, also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, is the main church of Palermo, Sicily. It is located in the historic city center near the Palazzo dei Normanni. It has been an important place of worship for the people of Palermo since the 11th century.
Today, the Cattedrale di Palermo is an impressive example of Sicilian architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the largest churches in Italy. Inside the church, visitors can admire the beautiful frescoes and sculptures, as well as the tombs of several members of the royal family.
We’ve paid for tickets to get on the roof terrace, cript and museum. Total 10€ per person. Totally worth it! Especially the roof top!
It was nice to cool down a but in the crypt as outside was 36°C.
Villa Bonanno is a historic villa located near Porta Nuova in Palermo, Sicily. It was built in the 19th century by the Bonanno family, who were one of the most powerful and influential families in Sicily in the 18th and 19th centuries. The villa was designed in the Neoclassical style, with a central courtyard and two long wings that flank the sides. The villa has been renovated and is now a popular tourist attraction in Palermo. Visitors can take guided tours of the interior, which includes a library, chapel, and various other rooms. It was a very nice park to pass by.
We reached Porta Nuova in no time.
Porta Nuova is a historic gate in Palermo, Sicily, located in the south–east corner of the old city walls. The gate was constructed in the late 16th century by the Spanish viceroy of Sicily, Juan de Vega, as part of the city‘s fortification system. The gate is built in the Baroque style, with a central arch flanked by two smaller ones, flanked by two round towers. The gate has been restored and is now a popular tourist attraction in Palermo. It is one of the few remaining gates of the old city walls, and is a reminder of Palermo‘s rich history and culture.
We decided not to go to Norman Palace, which includes Capella Palantina as it was another 10€.
Suddenly we felt hungry. We stopped at a place called Sfrigola palermo, which is specialising in Arancini! Single arancini 2.5€. The beer was 4.5€. Arancini was delicious!
They had a lovely board with flags of countries which the customers are coming from.
While we were going to Cappuchini catacombs we stopped for coffee (1€) and cannolo, which was delicious for 2€.
Funny thing people don’t use printers here and write the signs on whatever. Here is the sign for cleaning in progress in the barthtoom.
There was some interesting abandoned building with wooden carvings on our way.
When we arrived to Cappuchini Catacombs the gates were locked. It closed at 2pm. We arrived 2:08pm. Damn it! They might have reopened later, but it wasn’t indicated in the time table (I saw in tourist informaiton, but not clear how outdated it was).
We walked all the way back in the heat!
We stopped at baroque style church Chiesa del Gesù. They charged for entrance so I just took some pictures before entrance.
Another quick stop at Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio. 3€ entrance. The church is fascinating!
W
e didn’t go inside of Church of San Cataldo as it was a separate ticket.
On our way home we passed Piazza Pretoria and its fountain Fontana Pretoria. Fascinating sculptures around the fountain.
Last stop was Quattro Canti, fountains at four corners. Close to the pedestrian street which we accidently drove through.
And very final stop was Lidl to buy sime wine. Wine here you can buy for under 2€ in glass bottle and in tetra pack for less than 1€, which tastes quite alright!
Also local oranges are vedy delicious!!!