Spending only one day in the Sicilian capital is not enough if you want see all the attractions that the city offers to its tourists. But considering that time is short and you are preparing your journey in Palermo for one day, there are some must-see places.
The itinerary
- Ballarò – One of the historical markets of Palermo. One walk through the colourful and noisy stands of Ballarò is the better way to do the shopping and to breathe the authentic mood of the city.
- I Quattro Canti – This is the evocative name of a octagonal-shape square which is located at the intersection of Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda: the name comes from the four architectural perspectives that characterize this square.
- Fontana Pretoria – Realized in Florence in 1554 and then brought in Piazza Pretoria in Palermo in 1581, this big fountain is characterized by its stairways and the many statues that adorn it.
- Chiesa della Martorana – One of the most great examples of Byzantine architecture in Italy, the Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio Church (called simply the Martorana) overlooks on Bellini Square and it is part of the Eparchia of Piana degli Albanesi.
- Chiesa di San Cataldo – Even this religious building is located in Bellini Square: the San Cataldo Church has an external structure adorned in simply and austere way, with an architecture which shows the islamic influence, and the three solemn red domes that stand at the top.
- Cattedrale – One visit to Palermo can not be complete if you don’t see the metropolitan cathedral of Santa Vergine Maria Assunta: the main religious place of the city, a structure that embodies many different architectural styles.
- Cappella Palatina – One of the most important monuments of Palermo, is located in the famous Palazzo dei Normanni: remarkable are its three naves separated from granite columns and cipollino marble.
Walk or public transportation?
If you are good walkers and you don’t fear to put comfortable shoes, this route can also be done on foot. Alternatively, to move to Palermo you can make use of the public transportation system.
What to eat
After many walks you could be very hungry. In Palermo, the opportunities to eat well are many. Considering you have only twenty-four hours to visit the Sicilian capital, we recommend to taste the street food of Palermo, like panelle, sfincione and pani câ meusa.
These are the unmissable attractions to visit Palermo in one day. Now you just have to book your ferry to Sicily and discover this wonderful city.
Image source: Flickr.com/photos/leandrociuffo
