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Palermo

Italy

Palermo

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PalermoGuide was updated:
Capital of the beautiful region of Sicily, Palermo is a fascinating hidden gem awaiting to be discovered. This busy port city pulsates with vibrant energy, embodying a perpetual transformation that has firmly reinstated it among Europe's cultural hubs. Palermo is full of sights and treasures: from ornate Baroque churches and glorious Norman-Gothic architecture to elegant Art Nouveau villas and lively markets. Amidst the chaotic streets, the city's flamboyant spirit thrives, offering a delightful surprise at every turn.
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Facts
Population:850,000 (2023)
Currency:1 Euro = 100 cents
Emergency Numbers:European emergency number: 112 Ambulance: 118 Police: 113 Fire brigade: 115
Newspapers:La Repubblica: www.repubblica.it La Sicilia: www.lasicilia.it Giornale di Sicilia: www.gds.it
Website:www.visitsicily.info/en/localita/palermo »
Opening Hours:Shops in Palermo are usually open from 9am to 1pm and from 3pm to 8pm. Large department stores are usually open all day.
Tourist Information:Tourist Information Office Via Principe di Belmonte, 92, Palermo +39 091 585172 Open Mon–Fri 8:30am–1:30pm; Thu 8:30am–1:30pm / 2:30pm–5:30pm; Sat & Sun closed

Do & See

Thanks to its rich and varied history, Palermo and its surrounding areas are full of architectural treasures just waiting to be discovered. Many of the sights are conveniently situated in the city centre: in the Old Town, you'll find treasures like Palazzo dei Normanni, as well as the beautiful Santa Caterina Church, and the spectacular Piazza Pretoria. For a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, the beautiful volcanic island of Ustica is a safe bet and will not disappoint you.
Piazza Pretoria

Piazza Pretoria

The grandiose Piazza Pretoria captivates with its fountain, spreading proudly in front of Palazzo Pretorio (City Hall) as one of the major symbols of Palermo. The Pretoria Fountain was sculpted by Francesco Camilliani in 1574 and initially placed in Florence for a few years. It was then bought by the municipality and transported to Palermo. The fountain is a true masterpiece and is considered one of the most beautiful fountains in Italy. The nude figures adorning the fountain have got the most prudish population in the city to nickname the square "Piazza della Vergogna", (Square of Shame).

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Quattro Canti

Quattro Canti

Officially known as Piazza Vigliena, Quattro Canti is considered one of the most fascinating landmarks of Palermo. Located at the intersection of Via Maqueda and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, it has an octagonal structure shaped by the elegant facades of the buildings standing at its corners. During the day, the sun is always shining on at least one of the four facades: leading to this Baroque gem being nicknamed by locals "il teatro del sole" ("the theatre of the sun").

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