Palermo,
capital of Sicily, is a meltin’ pot
of cultures, a destination off the
beaten path, that should actually be a must see of Italy for its artistic and
historical offer. And also for its gorgeous surrounding beaches and small
ancient villages, like Monreale.
Palermo
Capital
of ancient kingdoms and cradle of past civilization, Palermo is the city symbol
of the history and culture of Sicily. A city where art and modernity merge with
myth and tradition. Counted among the most prosperous cities of the
Mediterranean world at the time of the Arabs and Normans, today home of the
Sicilian Parliament and a symbol of the unification of Italy, lost the enamel
of a time but remains a fascinating city.
Heavily bombed during the Second World War, since then, unfortunately, brings the signs of neglect of its directors, but this look vaguely chaotic and messy has its own charm, and however conceals genuine jewels inherited from the days of its splendor. Located on the first floor of the austere and imposing Palace of the Normans, the Palatine Chapel wonderfully embodies the richness of Arab-Norman style, with its Byzantine mosaics and wooden ceiling stalactites. Equally splendid mosaics adorn the interior of Martorana, church of the XII century. Not far away, the Arabic domes of San Cataldo suggest more a mosque than a place of Christian worship.
Heavily bombed during the Second World War, since then, unfortunately, brings the signs of neglect of its directors, but this look vaguely chaotic and messy has its own charm, and however conceals genuine jewels inherited from the days of its splendor. Located on the first floor of the austere and imposing Palace of the Normans, the Palatine Chapel wonderfully embodies the richness of Arab-Norman style, with its Byzantine mosaics and wooden ceiling stalactites. Equally splendid mosaics adorn the interior of Martorana, church of the XII century. Not far away, the Arabic domes of San Cataldo suggest more a mosque than a place of Christian worship.
The Church of St. John of the Hermits, five-domed red and
adorned with a charming garden, raises the same impression. In Piazza Pretoria,
the fountain of the sixteenth century is one of the rare examples of
Renaissance art in Sicily; because of the nudity of marble statues that
decorate it was once nicknamed the "fountain of shame". The Vucciria
market offers, in contrast, the same show and the same hedonistic pleasure of
the senses of a Middle Eastern or North African souk. Finally, the chaos
disappears in the Botanical Gardens, a veritable oasis of peace. A tropical
paradise with huge fig trees, towering palms and brightly colored hibiscus
beside beautiful sculptures and neoclassical buildings.
Monreale
Monreale,
a town 8 km from Palermo, is one of the most beautiful destinations in Sicily,
known for its splendid cathedral of the twelfth century, decorated with
wonderful Byzantine mosaics on a gold background. In a beautiful landscape
dominating the Conca d’Oro, Monte Reale was in Norman times a hunting reserve
for the king. Around 1172, William II decided to build a magnificent collection
that includes, in addition to the cathedral famous for its fabulous mosaics, a
Benedictine Abbey and the royal palace (transformed into a seminar at the end
of the sixteenth century). The set is still the vital center of Monreale, from
which depart various streets full of craft shops, bars and restaurants.
PS. If you are planning a trip to these destinations, remember that you can fly to Palermo airport or Trapani airport!
Click here to check out flight prices!
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