Palermo

Palermo Travel Guide

• About Palermo

Invaded by Arabs, Normans and Byzantines, Palermo is a thrilling jumble of architectural styles – a city that seems to alter with every turn. Arab domes merge into Norman cathedrals while 19th-century theatres square up to imposing baroque churches. This is a city blessed with a rich past, but full of the bustle of the modern age, not to mention a terrific nightlife in glorious, crumbling piazzas. Strolling the Sicilian capital, there’s treasure to be found on every street. Don’t miss the sumptuous Palazzo dei Normanni (Palace of the Normans), glittering with mosaics. In La Kalsa, the old medieval quarter, washing is still strung between the narrow streets. Elsewhere, elegant residential districts with palm trees and palatial villas can be found, and although motorcycles plague its busy streets, Palermo’s noisy, chaotic atmosphere is part of its charm. Aside from the quaint churches, grisly catacombs and lively markets, both beaches and hilly countryside are within easy reach of Palermo. Stunning architecture can be found in the little satellite towns of Monreale and Cefalù, both with their own Byzantine mosaics and churches. The island of Sicily is not huge, so it’s easy to make longer trips using Palermo as a base. It takes less than four hours to cross its length, from west to east. Palermo’s rich multicultural past is evident in its gastronomy. Arab-influenced dishes include the zesty lemon granita drink, crumbly almond pastries and spicy fish couscous. Try panelle (fritters made from chickpea flour) or calzoni (deep-fried dough pockets with savoury fillings) at street stalls all over the city. Gastronomic adventurers may be tempted by the local delicacy known as babalucci – baby snails marinated in parsley, olive oil and garlic. As has been dramatised in Hollywood and elsewhere, Sicily was long in the grip of the Mafia (Cosa Nostra). Although the city is full of beautiful monuments, many historic buildings were destroyed in the post-war years due to unregulated construction. Today, there are still problems with corruption and organised crime, but Palermo’s sun-drenched streets, glorious ruins and natural splendours are now the symbols of the city, not the mob.

• Palermo History

There is evidence of prehistoric settlements in the Palermo area, which mark the beginning of its long history. This is one of the most conquered cities in the world, with the Phoenicians arriving first, then the Greeks, before the Romans came during the Punic Wars with the Carthaginians. After the fall of the old Roman Empire, the Byzantine descendants of the Eastern Roman Empire seized the city, holding it from the 6th century until 831. Then the Saracens arrived, turning Sicily into an Arab Emirate. The city flourished under the largely tolerant Arabs, becoming immensely rich, and the capital of the island, with its importance recognised from Europe to Africa. The next wave of invaders to come was the Normans in the 11th century, who took control of the entire island. Sicily achieved its height under Roger II, who encouraged the Sicilian arts and economy. The potent cocktail of Norman and Arab culture created a unique architectural style. Over the next two centuries, Palermo and the Kingdom of Sicily passed to the Holy Roman Empire, then Charles I of Anjou, the Aragonese, and finally ended up in the hands of the Spanish. By the 18th century, Sicily had been united with the Kingdom of Naples, finally rebelling during the revolutions of 1848. It was then annexed to Italy in 1860. In the 20th century, during the Allied invasion of Sicily, the city suffered devastating damage, particularly around the port and surrounding areas. After WWII, Palermo became an autonomous region but the state had to share effective control of the city with the rising power of the Mafia. Well-publicised murders as well as uncontrolled urban expansion led to bad traffic problems, widespread poverty and a historic centre still partly in ruins. More recently, the city has loosened the grip of Cosa Nostra, and is developing into a business and cultural hub. There is also increasing tourism from visitors interested in its rich legacy, faded grandeur and labyrinthine-like streets.

• Did you know?

It is said that more than 300 mosques were built during Palermo’s Islamic period, but it was a tolerant society as Christian and Jews were permitted to follow their own faiths too. At the time of the unification of Italy in the 19th century, Italian was not spoken in Palermo. The Sicilian language suffered an assault from central government in the following decades, but is still regarded by many linguists as a separate language. Under Mussolini and fascism, the Mafia was crushed and many mobsters left for the US. It was during WWII, amidst the chaos of the Allied invasion, that they rose again, and undertook the rampant and unregulated rebuilding of the city from 1950s onwards.

• Weather in Palermo

Temperatures in Palermo rarely drop below 15°C (59°F). Summer (July to September) is the most popular time to visit, bringing the hottest temperatures of around 30°C (86°F). Winter (December to February) is relatively mild, with temperatures typically dropping to just 12°C (54°F) but rain is abundant in January. However, the first two months of the year are the best time for skiers to head to Mount Etna. Spring and autumn bring pleasant temperatures and is a less crowded time to visit Palermo.

Things to see in Palermo

Attractions

• Palazzo dei Normanni e Cappella Palatina (Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel)

The main attraction of this former royal residence (now the seat of the Regional Parliament) is the Palatine Chapel within. Designed by King Roger II in 1130, it is a jewel of Norman art with a splendid Arab honeycomb wooden ceiling and exquisite Byzantine mosaics in shades of gold and blue. Address: Piazza Indipendenza,1, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 705 5611 Opening times: Daily 08:30-16:30. Website: www.federicosecondo.org Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• La Cattedrale (The Cathedral)

Palermo’s grand cathedral offers a striking mixture of architectural styles which reflect its history of invasion: Arab, Norman, Byzantine, Swabian, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, baroque. Its ornate structure provides a glimpse of the city’s medieval past. The Treasury houses a tiara belonging to Constance of Aragon. Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 334 373 Opening times: Mon-Sat 07:00-19:00, Sun 08:00-13:00 and 16:00-19:00. Website: www.cattedrale.palermo.it Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Catacombe dei Cappuccini (Capuchin Catacombs)

These catacombs contain the bodies of some 8,000 ecclesiastics and distinguished citizens embalmed by Capuchin friars between the 17th and 20th centuries. The catacombs were created in the 16th century when space in the cemetery ran out for deceased monks. They decided to mummify one body – and the practise continued until the 1920s, encompassing not just men of faith but upper class people as well. Address: Via Cappuccini 1, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 652 7389 Opening times: Daily 09:00-13:00 and 15:00-18:00. Website: www.catacombepalermo.it Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• San Giovanni degli Eremiti (St John of the Hermits)

Built in 1132, St John of the Hermits is the most obviously Arabic of Palermo’s Norman relics, with five ochre domes topping a little church built on the remains of an earlier mosque. The beautiful cloister and luxuriant garden make a peaceful haven in the Albergheria. Address: Via dei Benedettini, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 651 5019 Opening times: Mon 09:00-13:00, Tue-Sun 09:00-18:30. Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Orto Botanico (Botanical Gardens)

The lush Orto Botanico (Botanical Gardens) are a tranquil oasis that house an enormous variety of exotic plants from all over the world. This huge open-air museum covers more than 12 hectares (30 acres) and has important florae from Sicily and across the Mediterranean with plants that date back from the 18th century. Address: Via Abramo Lincoln 2/A, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 2389 1236 Opening times: Daily 09:00-19:00 (18:00 in winter). Website: www.ortobotanico.unipa.it  Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Museo d’Arte Contemporanea della Sicilia (Museum of Contemporary Art)

Situated in Palazzo Belmonte Riso, a wonderfully restored 18th-century palace, the Museum of Contemporary Art showcases a collection of local works from the 1950s to the present day. As well as giving an incredible insight into Sicily’s passionate and political artists, the museum hangs art from Italian and international creatives. Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele 365, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 587 717 Opening times: Tue-Wed 10:00-20:00, Thu-Sat 10:00-24:00, Sun 10:00-20:00. Website: www.museoartecontemporanea.it Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Museo Internazionale delle Marionette (International Puppet Museum)

This collection of puppets from Palermo, Catania and Naples is the widest and most complete in existence today. The museum holds over 3,000 exhibits, including Sicilian and foreign puppets and marionettes. All are handmade antiques, some dating back centuries. It also has puppets from Indonesia, India and the Far East. Address: Piazzetta Antonio Pasqualino, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 328 060 Opening times: Mon-Sat 09:30-13:00 and 14:30-19:00. Website:www.museodellemarionette.it Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Museo Etnografico Giuseppe Pitre (Ethnographic Museum Giuseppe Pitre)

Dedicated to Sicilian folklore and countryside life, this museum was established in 1909 by the ethnologist Giuseppe Pitré. Its vast, 5,000-strong collection includes reconstructions of farmhouse furniture, objects of ordinary life, many clothes and music instruments as well as torture instruments, puppets and traditional costumes. Address: Via Duca degli Abruzzi,1, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 740 9008 Opening times: Tue-Sun 09:30-18:00. Website: www.turismo.comune.palermo.it Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Mondello Beach

Around 20 minutes from Palermo by bus, the vibrant city beach resort of Mondello offers a crescent of clear waters and soft, white sand. This is where the Palermitani come to bronze and bathe. Visitors may have to pay for some sections of the beach, but expect beachside bars, volleyball and pastel-coloured changing cabins. Address: Viale Regina Elena, Palermo. Opening times: Daily 24 hours. Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Galleria d’Arte Moderna (Gallery of Modern Art)

Housed in a former Franciscan convent, the Gallery of Modern Art is home to an important collection of Sicilian paintings and sculpture. Journey from the 18th century to mid-20th century, pausing in a special section dedicated to Sicilian hero, Giuseppe Garibaldi. Address: Via Sant’Anna, 21, Palermo. Telephone: +39 335 545 3277 Opening times: Tue-Sun 09:30-18:30. Website: www.gampalermo.it Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

• Palermo Tourism

Address: Via Principe di Belmonte 92, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 58 5172 Opening times: Mon-Fri 08:30-14:00. Website: www.palermotourism.com Palermo Centro tourist information office has information on tours and excursions, accommodation, car hire and events. Other outlets can be found at: The airport                ( Telephone: +39 091 591 698 ) Stazione Centra le  ( Telephone: +39 091 616 5914 )

Tourist passes

Available for one-, two- or three-days, the

• Palermo Tourist Card

Telephone: +39 091 626 8043 Website: www.pmocard.it Gives reduced admission to more than 35 attractions alongside free use of public transport and with discounts on shopping, dining, entertainment and leisure.

Things to do in Palermo

• Catch the breeze with some water sports

As it’s a coastal city, there are plenty of water sports possible off Palermo and a number of companies offering classes and equipment hire. Make the most of the breeze and try your hand at kitesurfing.

Tuna Kitesurf Wing Foil Kite surf

Telephone: +39 338 725 6095 Website: www.corsi-kitesurf.com will show you how. If that’s not your thing. Albaria Telephone: +39 091 453 595 Website: www.albaria.org focus on windsurfing.

• Dive among the colourful corals of Sicily

If you think the sights of Sicily are stunning, wait until you’re under the sea. Between April and October, divers can explore the waters off Palermo. Ustica is a nearby marine park, home to lobsters, bream and barracudas plus colourful corals. Ustica Diving Center Telephone: +39 335 821 0017 Website: www.usticadiving.it takes divers to the best spots.

• Grab a ticket for a Sicilian opera

Like the rest of Italy, Sicily has a strong operatic culture but unlike the mainland, the performers are puppets You’ll see them in the souvenir shops, dead-eyed in elaborate dress, but they’re much more impressive alive. Catch a show and watch as two puppeteers breathe life into 20 marionettes. Telephone: +39 091 323 400 Website: www.figlidartecuticchio.com

• Hike the old pilgrim’s way to Saint Rosalia

For hikers wanting a little challenge, nearby Madonie Nature Park boasts six peaks over 1,500m (4921ft) and great views to boot. Easier is the old pilgrim’s way, which leads to the sanctuary of Saint Rosalia on Monte Pellegrino. The walk takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to complete.

• Learn how to cook like a Sicilian

Sicilians are very proud of their cuisine, none more so than: Mamma Lucia Telephone: +39 091 894 2692 Join her for a tasting tour around Palermo’s markets to try local delicacies such as pane con la milza (regrettably translated as spleen sandwich) before heading to the kitchen to learn some of Sicily’s more appetising dishes.

Palermo tours and excursions

Palermo tours

• Bus tours

Sightseeing passes are available for hop-on, hop-off bus tours of the city. Tickets are valid for unlimited use across both routes for 24 hours. Starting from the Teatro Politeama, tours take in the Teatro Massimo, Santa Maria della Catena, San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Palazzo Reale and Cappella Palatina, the Cattedrale and the Duomo di Monreale. Tickets can be purchased on the bus and multi-lingual commentary is available. Telephone: +39 091 589 429 Website: www.palermo.city-sightseeing.it 

• Walking tours

Sicilia & D’intorni offers various guided cultural tours lasting half a day (morning or afternoon), which focus on Arab, Norman, baroque and 17th-centrury Palermo. They also run tours of Castle of Caccamo. Telephone: +39 345 224 5182 Website: www.kairostrip.com

Palermo excursions

• Monreale

Perched high up in the valley is the village of Monreale. People flock here to see the Duomo (built under William II after the Norman conquest of Sicily), whose beautiful gold mosaics depict scenes from the Bible. From the imposing Christ Pantocrator, which dominates the apse area, to the narratives of the Creation in the nave, or the scenes from the life of Christ adorning the walls of the aisles and the transept, the mosaics cover every single square inch of the inside of the cathedral. Website: www.monrealeduomo.it

• Cefalù

A town with steep streets, beaches and a towering Norman cathedral built at the request of Roger II, Cefalù is dwarfed by a huge rock face, La Rocca. Easily reached by train or coach, it is located 75km (46 miles) from Palermo. Many of the restaurants and shops run along Corso Ruggero, the main street. The Museo Mandralisca is home to Antonello da Messina’s Portrait of an Unknown Man. For views over the town and sea, hike up to the Tempio di Diana, a 5th-century temple. Website: www.cefalu.it

Shopping in Palermo

Modern Palermo has plenty of opportunities for avid shoppers. This is Italy after all: expect brands from Sisley and Stefanel to H&M, Zara, Mango, Louis Vuitton and Hermes. But when shopping in Palermo, it also pays to dive into its bustling markets, which have been influenced by the city’s Muslim past.

• Key areas

If you want to buy pupi (puppets), head for Corso Vittorio Emanuele where several workshops are located. Designer gear can be found along the smart Via Libertà, which is lined with Italian and European labels such as Cartier, Dolce & Gabbana, Hermés, Prada, Furla and Louis Vuitton. Antique and arts lovers should head to Corso Alberto Amedeo, while the best ceramics can be found down Via Nicolò Gallo, Via Daita and Via Isidoro La Lumia.

• Markets

Immerse yourself in the best of the city’s atmosphere at the Vucciria Market, between Via Roma and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Make sure you get there early in the morning to see the market at its liveliest. Open Monday to Saturday from dawn until 1400, it sells all kinds of wares from fresh seafood to souvenirs and local handicrafts. Other good markets include Borgo Vecchio, which stays open until the evening; the Piazza Peranni market for antiques; and Ballaro for those who love street food.

• Shopping centres

Forum Palermo, Via Filippo Pecoraino, is Palermo’s largest shopping centre with 120 shops, restaurants, cafes and a cinema. La Rinascente, Via Roma, 289, is home to a number of excellent independent shops.

• Opening hours

Most shops will open at 09:30 and close for lunch at about 13:30. They reopen again at 16:00 until about 20:00. Bigger stores remain open throughout the day.

• Souvenirs

Puppets, painted pottery, and copperware and tinware bought along the ancient Via Calderai all make excellent keepsakes.

• Tax information

Value added tax is 22%. Travellers from outside the EU can claim back sales tax on purchases over €155 if they have bought from shops displaying the ‘tax free’ shopping sign.

Restaurants in Palermo

There are excellent pasticcerie (cake shops) and gelaterias (ice cream shops) all over Palermo. Make sure you try some of the local specialities, including pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines), cassata siciliana (an ice cream with sponge cake, candied fruit and marzipan), cannolo di ricotta (pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta, chocolate sugared fruit and pistachios) and frutta di martorana (fruits made from almond marzipan). The restaurants below have been hand-picked by our guide author and grouped into three different pricing categories: Expensive (over €50) Moderate (€20 to €50) Cheap (under €20) These prices are for an average three-course meal for one, with a half bottle of house wine or cheapest equivalent. They include service charges, but not tip.

Expensive

• Il Cambusone

Cuisine: Seafood Low-key eatery with outdoor seating, preparing local staples including pasta, seafood & cannoli. This exclusive restaurant is always packed with locals. One of the few Palermo restaurants to be listed in the Michelin guide, its creative and elegant cuisine offers an interesting take on classic Sicilian dishes. Address: Sant’Andrea, Piazza Sant’Andrea, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 683 2099 Website: www.ristoranteilcambusone.it

• Osteria dei Vespri

Cuisine: Italian The freshly caught seafood here attracts diners in droves and its wine list is also one of the best in the city. From April to November, the sommelier works with chef Alberto Rizzo to make a tasting menu that is matched with amazing Sicilian wines. The rest of the time it becomes an osteria (a simple Italian eatery) serving more affordable, traditional dishes. Address: Piazza Croce dei Vespri, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 617 1631 Website: www.osteriadeivespri.it

• Il Culinario

Cuisine: Italian Simplicity and tradition: two key words that perfectly describe the Il Culinario restaurant in Palermo, the ideal setting for special occasions, as a couple, with family or with friends. The positive energy of the property permeates every corner, letting all the love and passion for the world of catering shine through. There are three trump cards of the Il Culinario restaurant: Consistency, Seriousness and Quality. The attention to detail is the result of meticulous attention paid to the customer.
 The preference for local raw materials is synonymous with research and connection with tradition.
 The choice to mix different cultures embodies the innovative need, transforming the dish into a multi-sensory experience. Address: Via Principe di Belmonte, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 732 0444 Website: www.ilculinario.it

Moderate

• Antica Focacceria San Francesco

Cuisine: Sicilian As the name suggests, this landmark neighbourhood bakery specialises in focaccia bread and serves a range of delicious regional specialities. Housed in an art nouveau building dating back to the first half of the 1800s, it still features wooden cabinets, marble top tables and cast iron ovens. No bookings. Address: Kalsa, Via Paternostro 58, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 320 264 Website: www.anticafocacceria.it

• Bellini

Cuisine: Italian At the back of Teatro Bellini, this restaurant offers a romantic setting as guests sit outside underneath La Martorana Church. The food is decent, particularly the octopus caponata (cooked vegetable salad) and the prawn and pumpkin ravioli, but it’s the location that draws the punters. Arrive early to beat the crowds. Address: Piazza Bellini 6, Palermo. Telephone: +39 333 469 7455 Website: www.spaghettitaliani.com

• Il Baro

Cuisine: Italian This popular restaurant in the Liberta area has a beguiling choice of pizzas that are generally considered the best in town. Customers can choose between four different kinds of pizza bases, including a gluten-free one. Il Baro also dishes up an excellent pasta selection and some sublime desserts. Address: Via Mario Rutelli 20, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 303 110 Website: www.ilbaro.net

Cheap

• Al Casato dei Ventimiglia

Cuisine: Italian Situated in the shadows of the Palazzo dei Normanni, this restaurant has a tourist-friendly menu and a dark, cavernous, candlelit interior. They offer a choice of set menus at very reasonable prices, including a fish, meat and pizza one. Try the seafood risotto and the fish cooked in foil with grilled vegetables. Address: Via del Bastione 22, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 213 921 Website: www.alcasatodeiventimiglia.com

• Antica Caffè Spinnato

Cuisine: Sicilian Established in 1860, this high-ceilinged tearoom is always bustling. Open daily for a lunch of salads, pastas and sandwiches, people queue out of the doors for its bakery specials. Try the panelle (deep-fried chickpea fritters) and the arancini di riso (rice balls stuffed with savoury fillings). Address: Via Principe di Belmonte 107, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 749 5104 Website: www.spinnato.it

• Trattoria Da Calogero

Cuisine: Seafood This wallet-friendly trattoria in the seaside resort of Mondello plates up excellent seafood pastas, fresh octopus, sea urchins, mixed fried fish and lovely langoustines. Popular with local families, it has a good selection of pizzas which makes it a hit with the kids too. Address: Mondello, Via Torre Di Mondello 22, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 684 1333 Website: www.quandoo.it

Palermo Nightlife

Palermo’s nightlife has improved greatly in the past decade and there is now a lively scene centred on the bars and cafes around Vucciria market. Other good places to hang include Piazza Castelnuovo, Piazza Verdi and along Via Principe di Belmonte, between Via Roma and Via Ruggero Settimo. If you’re interested in the arts and cultural venues, pick up a copy of Lapis  ( Website: www.lapispalermo.it )

Bars in Palermo

• Mak Mixology

Welcome to the Mak Mixology column, the cocktail bar that will make you travel back in time and delight you with unique and unmistakable tastes. Located inside the suggestive Galleria delle Vittorie, Mak Mixology is a place inspired by the style of the fabulous 1930s, with elegant furnishings and a refined atmosphere. Address: Via Bari, 50, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 674 5668 Website: www.makmixology.it

• HIM CLUB CAFÉ

HIM CLUB CAFÉ this laid-back bar is reminiscent of an Arabic living room. Serving up delicious cocktails, it’s one of the few places in town. Live dancing flavour. The feelings at HIM are vibrant, gentle and real. With moments of antiquity in photos mixed with pop culture of today… it is clean, fresh and great to visit both in the middle of the hot day and the peak of the early night. Address: Via Francesco Guardione, 59, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 790 5706 Website: www.himclub.it

• Gascoigne

Gascoigne is one of the oldest pubs in Palermo. With candlelit tables under the stars and a trendy lounge bar inside, an aperitif here often transforms into a small disco. Address: Piazza Teatro Santa Cecilia, Palermo. Telephone: +39 347 970 3090 Website: www.gascoigne-pub.vercel.app

Clubs in Palermo

• Country Disco Club

Situated on the northern outskirts of the city, next to the tennis club, the Country Disco Club is one of Palermo’s most popular spots for dancing. Open Friday and Saturday from 2230-0300, there are two floors playing different music, mainly commercial house and pop. Address: Via dell’Olimpo, Palermo. Telephone: +39 331 251 5998 Website: www.countrydiscoclub.com

• Vinile Bar & Club 

Vinile Club cocktail bar since 2006, and music cases. A place to meet for a drink among shelves of records and good music played strictly in analogue. Great, unpretentious bar for aperitivo. Address: Via Giuseppe Piazzi, Palermo. Telephone: +39 350 115 8554 Website: www.vinilepub.it

• Kalhesa Restaurant & Sushi Bar

In the basement of an old palazzo (think: bare brickwork and vaulted ceilings), this fashionable wine bar hosts regular club nights. Situated down by the port, it attracts a smart party set who come to drink, listen to live music or groove to resident DJs. Upstairs is a restaurant serving Arabic food. Address: Kalsa, Foro Umberto I, 21/A, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 752 4431 Website: www.kalhesa.it

Live music in Palermo

• Teatro Massimo

This lavish auditorium was built in 1897 & remains Italy’s largest with a seated capacity of 1,387. Visit the opera house! Get to know the Massimo with a guided tour: explore the stunning auditorium and the most interesting halls of the third largest opera house in Europe. Discover the Teatro Massimo and Palazzo Butera: enjoy both a guided tour of the opera house and the Valsecchi art collection in the historical Palazzo Butera. Address: P.za Giuseppe Verdi, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 605 3580 Website: www.teatromassimo.it

• I Candelai

A cultural institution, I Candelai is a multi-purpose performance space and meeting place for the young creatives of Palermo. The music here is first rate, with regular performances of rock, pop, jazz and folk music. It also hosts DJ sets, belly dancing, tango and musical contests such as its own X Factor. Address: Via dei Candelai, 65, Palermo. Telephone: +39 091 327 151 Website: www.candelai.it

Palermo Food And Drink

Food In Palermo

• Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma might be the best known example of Sicilian cuisine outside of the country.

• Arancine

Arancine is one of the country’s most easily recognized dishes.

• Busiate al pesto Trapanese

The busiate with Trapanese pesto or “pasta cu l’agghia” as this tasty dish is called in Trapani dialect is a Sicilian first course prepared with a special pasta shape, the busiate, precisely and the Trapanese pesto. of the ampelodesmus), you can possibly use a skewer toothpick.

• Cannoli

The cannolo consists of three parts: the so-called scorza (“crust”or “peel”) which is shaped like a bow tie, the sheep ricotta cream as filling and the topping which is nowadays very creative, but traditionally you should only be a slice of candied orange or a cherry.

• Orange Salad

The most delicious orange salad ever! The oranges are the star supported by fennel, red onion, capers, oregano and mint.

• Cassata

Cassata is typically composed of a round sponge cake moistened with fruit juices or liqueur and layered with ricotta cheese and candied fruit (a filling also used with cannoli). Cassata has a shell of marzipan, pink and green colored icing, and decorative designs.

• Granita

Granita on the other hand, contains three simple ingredients: sugar, water, and flavourings. The ingredients are blended together and are semi-frozen until the consistency is like ice chips. The flavourings are key, with the freshest ingredients producing the best end result.

• Frutta Martorana

Frutta Martorana are made from marzipan (called pasta reale in Italian). Pasta reale is made with a mixture of ground almonds, sugar, corn syrup, and lemon juice. The marzipan is then shaped either by hand or by using molds made of plaster or wood.

Drink In Palermo

• Amaro Averna

An Italian liqueur in the Amaro category produced in Caltanissetta, Italy. It is named after its inventor, Salvatore Averna, who invented the recipe in 1868. This drink is produced on the Island of Sicily and is considered a traditional drink.

• Aperol Spritz

Aperol Spritz is a popular Italian cocktail that is made with Aperol, prosecco, and soda water. Add pomegranate or orange for it.

• Nero d’Avola

The most celebrated and widely planted grape found in Sicily, Nero d’Avola was brought to the island by Greeks in 6th Century BC. Its wines are characterized by a full depth of flavor, fruit-forward acidity, and well-balanced minerality.