Palermo: Due to its strategic position, Palermo has been an important commercial and cultural crossroads between East and West for centuries.

Palermo is a city rich in history and culture, founded by the Phoenicians between the 7th and 6th centuries BC, under the name of Zyz. In the centuries that followed, the city underwent various forms of domination: first by the Romans, then by the Arabs, the Norman conquest, Spanish rule and finally the Bourbons. The city still preserves traces of this past, from Byzantine and Arab-Norman churches to Baroque architecture and Art Nouveau monuments.

As well as discovering the capital of Sicily, a visit to Palermo means exploring one of the most beautiful cities in southern Italy. The Cathedral, the symbol of the city, is the main place of worship on the Arab-Norman itinerary, along with other monuments such as the Cappella Palatina, theChurch of the Martorana and the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti.

The most emblematic Baroque building is the Chiesa del Gesù, known to Palermitans as the Casa Professa. The church was partially destroyed in the bombings of 1943, but has now been restored to its original splendour.

Still in the centre, you can't miss a visit to the city's most emblematic theatres: the Politeama Theatre and the Teatro Massimo.

The Politeama Theatre was originally built as an open-air amphitheatre, but in 1868, while work was still in progress, it was transformed into a theatre, while the Teatro Massimo, reflecting the Art Nouveau style, is the largest opera house in Italy and the third largest in Europe after the Paris Opera and the Vienna Staatsoper.

Another attraction of the city of Palermo, and of the Sicilian region in general, is its world-famous gastronomy. Thousands of tourists flock here every year to sample typical Sicilian specialities. Palermo is particularly famous for its street food.

A visit to the city's most famous markets, such as Ballarò, Vucciria or Capo, is a must. The markets are also marked by the Arab influence: they resemble souks.

You can't leave the city without trying panelle or panino con la milza (pani ca meusa in Sicilian) or other typical local specialities.

A visit to the city will certainly make you want to go to the sea, given its proximity. Despite the enchanting beaches along the coast of the province of Palermo, such as the beach at Cefalù or Cala Gallo, we recommend that you experience the city like a true Palermitan, with a relaxing afternoon on Mondello beach, the best-known and closest to the centre. The crystal-clear water has nothing to envy of other exotic spots!