Palermo: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!

The Sicilian capital Palermo is famous for its numerous historical and cultural attractions, its Mediterranean flair, and its stunning nature. In addition to picture-perfect paradise beaches with turquoise water and dazzling white sand, the majestic Mount Monte Pellegrino and picturesque small fishing villages in the immediate vicinity are also part of it.

Table of contents

Palermo - Must-see attractions
Palermo - Climate

Palermo - Must-see attractions

Palermo - Holiday homes & apartments

Palermo Cathedral

In the crypt of the cathedral, built as early as 1184, are the coffins of Henry VI and Frederick II. The two Hohenstaufen emperors were also kings of Sicily. You can admire Frederick's golden crown among the precious artworks and items of the cathedral treasury. Impressive sculptures, including elaborate Madonna statues from the 15th century, the relics of the city's patron saint Rosalia in a silver urn, as well as the sarcophagi of the archbishops of Palermo dating from Roman times, are further highlights of a tour. You can enjoy magnificent views from the roof of the cathedral.

Royal Palace of Palermo

The oldest parts of the palace date back to the Phoenician-Carthaginian period. Thanks to numerous renovations and restorations, the building is now famous primarily for its Renaissance architecture. Inside, you can even admire Arabic architectural elements. Excavations beneath the Norman Palace have uncovered some ancient city walls. These are partially accessible to visitors. During tours, you will learn not only more about the palace but also about the history of Palermo.

Saint Mary of the Admiral

At Piazza Bellini stands the Admiral's Church, neighboring another church, San Cataldo. The medieval buildings stand out like an oasis from the rest of the square. Built in the 12th century, the house of worship received its Baroque facade in the 17th century. The lower two floors of the bell tower are still in their original condition. Inside the Admiral's Church, visitors can admire the oldest mosaics in Sicily. They date back to the Byzantine era in the 12th century. A highlight is the mosaic depiction of the enthroned Jesus.

Mount Pellegrino

In the Addaura caves on the northeastern flank of Monte Pellegrino, rock carvings from the Paleolithic era were discovered. Finds made here are housed in the Archaeological Museum in Palermo. In the summer months, the shady pine forests are popular excursion destinations. Concerts and theater performances take place on the viewing platform. In the 17th century, the incorrupt body of Saint Rosalia, the patron saint of Palermo, was found in a cave. A small Baroque chapel was added to the cave. In a glass shrine, you can see the marble statue of the saint, wrapped in a gold dress.

Antonino Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum

At the Piazza Olivella in Palermo, the Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonino Salinas showcases significant ancient finds from Sicily. The archaeological regional museum is located in a former monastery complex from the 16th century with arcaded courtyards and halls full of architectural fragments, sculptures, and ceramics. In addition to a valuable collection of Greek bronzes, the archaic metopes, which are large relief panels, and the Temple of Selinunte are particularly impressive. During your tour, you will also discover Phoenician sarcophagi, jewelry, and the once water-spouting lion heads from the Temple of Victory at Himera.

Capuchin Crypt Palermo

As early as the 16th century, the crypts in the catacombs of the Capuchin monastery in Palermo were established. The climatic conditions there ensured that the dead did not decompose. To this day, the total of 2,063 mummies are in remarkably good condition. During a tour of the crypt, you pass by the chapel of St. Rosalia with the mummy of a two-year-old girl. After that, you see other dead, including the writer Alessio Narbone and Ayala, the son of the Tunisian king.

Palermo - Climate

Palermo has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers, where temperatures climb above 30°C, and mild winters, where 10°C is often not fallen below. In summer, it also rains significantly less than in autumn and winter. The ideal travel time depends on the type of vacation as well as personal preferences and is between May and the end of October. However, March and April as well as November often offer pleasant temperatures. For a cultural vacation, even winter can be worthwhile when there are the fewest visitors in the city.