Discover the charm of Palermo on a 3-hour UNESCO sites walking tour. Explore Baroque and Normann-Arabic architecture, visit iconic sites, and indulge in local cuisine.
Discover the charm of Palermo on a 3-hour UNESCO sites walking tour. Explore Baroque and Normann-Arabic architecture, visit iconic sites, and indulge in local cuisine.
- Teatro Massimo - The Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele is an opera house and company situated in Piazza Verdi, Palermo, Sicily. Dedicated to King Victor Emanuel II, it is the largest in Italy and one of Europe’s grandest. At its inauguration, it was the third largest opera house in Europe, following the Palais Garnier in Paris and the K. K….
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Teatro Massimo - The Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele is an opera house and company situated in Piazza Verdi, Palermo, Sicily. Dedicated to King Victor Emanuel II, it is the largest in Italy and one of Europe’s grandest. At its inauguration, it was the third largest opera house in Europe, following the Palais Garnier in Paris and the K. K. Hof-Opernhaus in Vienna, with an area of 7,730 m². It is renowned for its exceptional acoustics.
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Galleria delle Vittorie - The Galleria delle Vittorie, or Gallery of Victory, was constructed as a commercial mall with an entrance at 301 Via Maqueda in central Palermo, Sicily, Italy. The five-story building has deteriorated over time, although restoration efforts have been made.
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Via Bandiera - Crossing Via Bandiera, one can find a typical open-air market.
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Chiesa di San Domenico - The Church of San Domenico, located in its namesake square, stands majestically in size and historical, cultural, and religious significance, second only to the Cathedral. It is one of Palermo’s most cherished churches, often referred to as the “Pantheon of the illustrious men of Sicily” and is a symbol of the fight against the mafia.
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La Vucciria - The market at Piazza Caracciolo meanders through alleys and nearby streets, capturing the true essence of the city and the vibrant, cosmopolitan culture of Palermo. Originally called “la Bucceria” from the French “boucherie,” or butcher’s shop, it was initially intended for meat sales.
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Fontana del Garraffello - The Garraffo Fountain (Italian: Fontana del Garraffo) is a Baroque fountain in Palermo, located in Piazza Marina, along the ancient Cassaro street, now known as Via Vittorio Emanuele, within Palermo’s historic center.
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Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa - The Palermo Stock Exchange was one of ten active Italian stock exchanges until 1997, when it merged into the single Italian Stock Exchange. Although stockbrokers were active in the Sicilian capital since 1840, the Palermo Stock Exchange began trading in 1845. It was the second most important stock exchange in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, after Naples.
It was housed in the city’s Palazzo delle Finanze for about a century.
The Palermo stock exchange was the most significant in Sicily, but not the only one. Until World War I, three other stock exchanges operated on the island: the most important was in Messina, followed by Catania and Agrigento.
- Discesa dei Giudici - The Descent of the Judges stretches from Piazza Sant’Anna to Piazza Bellini. Once known as “calata dei giudici,” the street is named after the Judges of the Praetorian Court, who resided there in the monastery of S. Caterina. The Court was led by the praetor (historically called baiulo, akin to today’s mayor) in civil cases, while a prosecutor handled criminal cases. Judges were appointed by the king, on the viceroy’s recommendation, had to be from Palermo, and served for one year.
- Church of St. Mary of the Admiral - Located above Piazza Bellini in central Palermo, the Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, also known as La Martorana, commemorates Goffredo and Eloisa de Marturano, founders of the nearby Benedictine convent. Built between 1143-1185 by Greek admiral George of Antioch, it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary for her protection. George assigned the church to the Greek-Byzantine clergy, who still conduct ceremonies in ancient Greek or Albanian (the church belongs to the Eparchy of Piana degli Albanesi of the Italo-Albanian Catholic Church).
- Piazza Pretoria - Piazza Pretoria is at the edge of the Kalsa district, near the intersection of Cassaro and Via Maqueda, just meters from Quattro Canti, where all four ancient quarters meet in Palermo, Sicily, Italy. The fountain was originally created for Don Luigi de Toledo’s garden in Florence. The site in Palermo was a garden belonging to the nuns of San Domenico al Maglio, acquired in 1551 after much negotiation. In 1584, the Palazzo di San Clemente was constructed nearby. The unique garden (lacking palaces) and fountain were commissioned to Florentine sculptor Francesco Camilliani, a student of Baccio Bandinelli.
- Quattro Canti - “I Quattro Canti” (The Four Corners) is one of Palermo’s most stunning and popular locations. The four buildings outlining the square were constructed between 1608 and 1620, with sculptures and decorative elements completed in 1663. Piazza Vigliena, another name for Quattro Canti, is an ideal starting point for exploring Palermo.
- Cattedrale di Palermo - The Cathedral of Palermo is a gem of Norman architecture in Sicily. It is one of Sicily’s most significant architectural monuments, built in 1184 by the Normans as a reconverted Christian church on the site of a former Muslim mosque, which itself was built over a Christian basilica. This Cathedral is a must-see in Palermo! It was constructed to surpass the beauty of the Cathedral of Monreale, leading to architectural extravagance due to competition. The current structure reflects a blend of styles over centuries, from Gothic to Medieval, Arabic (with a Koran passage still engraved on a column) to Neoclassical.
- Villa Bonanno - Constructed in 1905 by Mayor Bonanno, Villa Bonanno is a splendid garden always open, located in Victory Square, behind the Palace of the Normans. The garden, adorned with palm trees, features statues and busts of notable Palermo figures. Roman patrician house remains with mosaics, including the seasons and Orpheus, were discovered here and are now housed in the National Archaeological Museum. Adjacent to the villa is a fountain with a monument to Philip V, a 19th-century work by Nuncio Morello. The fountain was designed in 1661 by Carlo d’Aprile, with contributions from Serpotta.
- Norman Palace - The Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) in Palermo, also known as the Palazzo dei Normanni (Palace of the Normans), is one of Sicily’s most remarkable buildings. It narrates Palermo’s history from the first Punic settlements to the present. Among its many halls and rooms is the Cappella Palatina (Palatine Chapel), a lavish display of Arab-Norman art and a World Heritage Site since 2015. The ancient Torre Pisana houses the Palermo Astronomical Observatory and the Specola Museum, while temporary exhibitions are often held in the Sale del Duca di Montalto (Duke of Montalto Halls).

- Entrance to the Cathedral
- Enchanting walking tour
- Licensed English Speaking Guide
- Marvel at the city’s main monuments from outside
- Entrance to the Cathedral
- Enchanting walking tour
- Licensed English Speaking Guide
- Marvel at the city’s main monuments from outside
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick up and Drop Off
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick up and Drop Off
The enchanting city of Palermo is a treasure trove of cultural and historical gems, boasting eight UNESCO sites. Our intimate, small group tours provide an immersive exploration of premier sights along with a taste of local delicacies. Embark on a compelling three-hour voyage through magnificent Baroque and Normann-Arabic architecture. The Piazza…
The enchanting city of Palermo is a treasure trove of cultural and historical gems, boasting eight UNESCO sites. Our intimate, small group tours provide an immersive exploration of premier sights along with a taste of local delicacies. Embark on a compelling three-hour voyage through magnificent Baroque and Normann-Arabic architecture. The Piazza Pretoria, also identified as the Square of Shame, features a majestic marble fountain adorned with distinct nude statuettes. The elegant 14th-century Praetorian Palace, which accommodates the Town Hall, is accessible to visitors. Take a tour of the majestic Royal Palace, currently serving as the Regional Parliament, with its awe-inspiring Palatine Chapel, renowned for its glistening mosaics. Iconic landmarks such as the Martorana Church, hailed as the ‘most beautiful monument in the world’ and the diverse-styled Cathedral of Palermo, are also part of the journey. Treat yourself to a traditional Sicilian cannolo at a local store during this cultural odyssey. Join this memorable Palermitano adventure!
- The tour takes place regardless of the weather
- We are sorry to inform you that pets are not permitted on our tours
- Please let us know in advance any special need or impaired mobility of the clients and we will do our best to accomodate them.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.