Tourist Attractions in Palermo

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Palermo

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Palermo

Hot Sicily, washed by the gentle waters of the Mediterranean Sea, is an ancient land with a rich history and cultural traditions of great civilisations. Romans, Moors, Normans and mighty knightly orders have visited here. The real pearl of the island is the capital Palermo – a city of contrasts, ancient architecture, flowering gardens and strong family traditions.

Palermo has such an abundance of historical monuments of the Early Middle Ages that one can’t help but wonder how they could have stood for such a long time. Moorish palaces, Christian temples converted from mosques, villas drenched in greenery decorate the city streets and give Palermo a unique look. The capital of Sicily is also the lair of elegant Italian mafiosi, which nowadays have turned into another tourist highlight.

Top-20 Tourist Attractions in Palermo

Norman Palace

 4.5/5

19536 reviews

The Norman Palace has housed the rulers of Sicily since the 7th century. First the Arab Caliphs, and after the conquest of the island, the Norman kings. In the XII century the Palatine Chapel was built and decorated with magnificent Byzantine mosaics. The 16th century saw the second wave of the palace’s popularity, as it was chosen by the Spanish Viceroy as his residence. The building was extensively reconstructed. Since the middle of the 20th century, the regional parliament of the island of Sicily has met here.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 – 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Palazzo della Cuba

 4/5

824 reviews

A country residence of the kings of Sicily, built in the 12th century. The architecture of the structure absorbed much of the Arabic style of construction, as the client was very fond of the oriental style. The palace really resembles a cube, decorated with traditional Moorish arches and Arabic script. Currently, the complex houses a museum of Arab culture.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Zisa Palace

 4/5

5378 reviews

Another vivid representative of the Arab-Norman architectural style. The palace was built in the twelfth century for King William I. The building was used as a hunting villa. As a result of numerous reconstructions, the building almost lost its unique appearance, but acquired the features of medieval European architecture. The palace is surrounded by a magnificent lush park. Nowadays there is a museum dedicated to Islamic art on the territory of the Ciza Palace.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: Closed

Villa Palagonia

 4.2/5

3010 reviews

The villa is located about 15 kilometres from Palermo. It was built at the very beginning of the XVIII century in Baroque architectural style, designed by Tommaso Napoli. It was commissioned by one of the first representatives of the Sicilian nobility. At the end of the XIX century the building was purchased by another noble family. The villa is still privately owned, so access to its grounds is restricted.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:30 – 5:30 PM

Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel

 4.7/5

7232 reviews

The personal chapel of the Sicilian kings, located in the Norman Palace. The chapel appeared in the twelfth century under the ruler Roger II. The temple is a small compact basilica with unique interiors that have survived to this day. The marble and granite mosaics of the floor and ceiling paintings deserve special attention. These elements of the interior decoration have survived in pristine condition.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Palermo Cathedral

 4.7/5

35525 reviews

A medieval temple that absorbed elements of various architectural styles – Gothic, Moorish style, classicism. The history of the building began in the IV century with a small early Christian church. Arab, Spanish and even German masters worked on the construction, decoration and restoration of the cathedral. For many centuries the rulers of Sicily were crowned here. Inside the cathedral are real treasures and works of art.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM

Church of St. Mary of the Admiral

 4.7/5

3987 reviews

The Church of San Cataldo is a unique monument of Arab-Norman architecture of the XII century. Outwardly, it resembles a mosque with a high minaret. At the moment the temple is owned by the brothers of the monastic order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Nearby is the Martoran temple, also erected in the XII century. The Byzantine mosaics that decorate the interior of the Martorana are the oldest on the island of Sicily. Both churches are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Open time

Monday: 9:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Thursday: 9:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Friday: 9:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Saturday: 9:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Cattedrale di Monreale

 4.8/5

21555 reviews

A cathedral located in the Palermo suburb of Monreale. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with thematic mosaics with scenes from the New and Old Testament. The cathedral was built under the ruler William II the Good at the end of XII century. At the same time a Benedictine monastery was built at the church. The building continued to be completed and rebuilt until the beginning of the XIX century, but in many respects it has retained its original medieval appearance.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:45 PM, 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:45 PM, 2:00 – 4:45 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:45 PM, 2:00 – 4:45 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:45 PM, 2:00 – 4:45 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:45 PM, 2:00 – 4:45 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:45 PM, 2:00 – 4:45 PM
Sunday: 2:00 – 4:45 PM

Church of San Giuseppe dei Padri Teatini

 4.8/5

687 reviews

The temple is considered a characteristic representative of the “Sicilian Baroque” architectural style. Construction began in the XVII century. The project was designed by the Genoese architect D. Besio, who was a member of the Catholic order of the Theatines. The interior is richly decorated with marble, bas-reliefs, decorative elements, columns, ceilings and enfilades are carved from solid slabs. The church is also adorned with a magnificent marble floor.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Teatro Massimo

 4.7/5

43160 reviews

One of the largest theatres in Europe and the largest opera stage in Italy, where the famous tenor Enrico Caruso and composer Giacomo Puccini performed. “Massimo” means “greatest, greatest” in Italian. Construction of the theatre began at the end of the XIX century, the premiere production was the opera “Falstaff” by the maestro G. Verdi. The prevailing architectural style is classical with elements of ancient Greek style.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Teatro Politeama Garibaldi

 4.6/5

10170 reviews

A structure in a pompous neoclassical style, reminiscent of ancient Roman temples. The theatre was built in 1891 to a design by architect D. D. Almeida. The name “Politeama” indicates that works of various genres are performed on the stage. In 2000 the theatre was renovated and part of its premises were taken over by the Palermo Gallery of Contemporary Art. Since 2001 the Sicilian Symphony Orchestra has been performing at the Politeama.

Open time

Museo internazionale delle marionette Antonio Pasqualino

 4.6/5

902 reviews

Museum of Dolls, founded in 1975. The collection consists of several thousand dolls from all over the world. The puppets illustrate the traits of different nations and peoples. Italians have always attached special importance to theatre and acting. The founder of the Marionette Museum, A. Pasqualino, also established the Morgana Festival, dedicated to the art of puppet theatre.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Palazzo Abatellis

 4.5/5

2039 reviews

A 15th century palace commissioned by Captain F. Abatellis and designed by architect M. Carnelivari. The structure was built in the Gothic Catalan style. The building was significantly damaged during the Second World War, but was later restored. Nowadays the palace houses the collection of the Sicilian Regional Art Gallery. There are exhibits from the XII-XVIII centuries.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Regional Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas

 4.5/5

2863 reviews

The museum is housed in a 17th century building, which was built for a monastery and a church. But in 1866, a law was passed that abolished religious orders, so the building was placed at the disposal of the National Museum. The funds were gradually enriched by private collections, works of art from monasteries, churches and city universities. One of the most valuable exhibits is a panel from the 3rd century AD depicting Orpheus.

Open time

Catacombe dei Cappuccini

 4.3/5

10246 reviews

Underground rooms located in the cellars of the Capuchin monastery, where more than 8,000 people are buried: monks, nobles, famous and honoured citizens, artists and other important people of Sicily. This necropolis is quite unusual, as the dead bodies are on display rather than resting in closed vaults. The temperature of the catacombs prevents decomposition, so the bodies are in a “preserved” state.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 5:30 PM

Porta Nuova

 4.6/5

1269 reviews

A sixteenth-century structure built in honour of Charles V’s victory in the Tunisian War. The gate is located at the entrance to the historic part of Palermo. The Porta Nuova is a Sicilian “triumphal arch” that adorns the city and also serves as a landmark. Unfortunately, the gate did not survive in its original form, as it was blown up in 1667. Master Gaspar Garcio worked on the restoration of the historical appearance of the structure.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Porta Felice

 4.6/5

653 reviews

The gate was built in the 17th century. It was used to enter the city from the coast. It was built in Baroque and Renaissance style, with two eagles and the coat of arms of the Spanish rulers crowning the top. The Porta Felice was left in ruins during the bombing raids of the Second World War, but after painstaking and careful reconstruction, the structure was restored.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Fontana Pretoria

 4.7/5

5931 reviews

A huge fountain occupying almost the entire space of the square of the same name. The sculptural composition was created in the XVI century, gradually over the centuries it became very dilapidated and fell into disrepair. Between 1998 and 2003 the fountain was restored. The result is a composition of three large bowl circles surrounded by stone mythological characters, animals and monsters.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Orto Botanico di Palermo

 4.4/5

6451 reviews

The favourable climate and suitable conditions made it possible to create in Palermo a botanical garden with a rich variety of flora. It was created at the end of the eighteenth century at the botanical department of the Royal University. Initially, a small area was used to grow medicinal plants, but very soon there was not enough space and the garden had to expand. Now the park occupies an area of about 10 hectares.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Mondello Beach

 4.1/5

3983 reviews

The city beach of Palermo is located on the slope of San Pellegrino mountain, surrounded by orchards. The place is popular with tourists because of its clean water, white sand, convenient location and well-thought-out infrastructure. The length of the beach is only two kilometres, so in high season there is practically no free space from the large number of people wishing to sunbathe under the Sicilian sun.

Open time