Palermo

San Giovanni degli Eremeti (© Paradoxplace.com), the Cappella Palatina (by Samuel Landete).

Palermo, the largest city in Sicily (pop. 700,000), is like nowhere else in the world.

Its Arab-Norman buildings, many decorated with exquisite Byzantine-style mosaics, have no equal; and the rest of the city is a treasure trove of old museums and baroque oratories. Palermo's noisy outdoor markets evoke North Africa and are still dominated by the influence of the Arabs who departed centuries ago.

It's a mixture of panache and poverty, a place of beauty with definite ugly parts, a place loved and loathed by visitors with equal passion. Keep an eye on your camera but be sure to take it along, for Palermo is a city full of wonders for those interested in religious art, architecture and history.

	Palermo Map A detailed, interactive city map of Palermo.
	History of Palermo A brief summary of the very long and very eventful history of Palermo.
	Palermo Hotels Find and book your hotel in Palermo.
	Palermo Hotel Reviews Read unbiased reviews and compare prices on hotels in Palermo.
	Palermo Car Rentals Explore Sicily on your own timetable by picking up a rental car in Palermo. You can then drop it off in another city if you wish.
	Palermo Travel Forum Get travel advice and insider tips on Palermo from fellow travelers.

	Capella Palatina Located within the Norman Palace, the Palatine Chapel is the finest example of Arab-Norman art in Palermo. Built by Roger II from 1130 to 1140, it is adorned with extraordinary Byzantine mosaics.
	Capuchin Catacombs In 1599, Capuchin monks discovered their catacombs contained a mysterious preservative that helped mummify the dead. As a result, more than 8,000 Sicilians demanded to be buried here and are now on display.
	La Cataldo Characterized by its striking red domes, this little Norman church was founded by Maio of Bari, chancellor to William I, in 1154. The interior was never finished, and retains an austere medieval feel.
	Duomo di Palermo In 1184, Palermo's archbishop founded this cathedral on the site of a mosque, which had itself been built over an early Christian church. His aim was to surpass the glory of the magnificent cathedral of nearby Monreale.
	La Martorana Distinguished by an elegant Norman campanile, this church dates from 1143 and is famed for its spectacular mosaics. Its official name is Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (St. Mary of the Admiral).
	Museo Archeologico Regionale Housed in a former monastery, Palermo's Regional Archaeological Museum is one of the grandest archaeological museums in Italy. it is stuffed with artifacts from prehistoric times to the Roman era.
	Oratorio del Rosario di Santa Cita Built in the 16th century in gratitude for the Virgin Mary's miraculous intervention at the Battle of Lepanto (1571) against the Turks, this oratory features a magnificent stucco relief of the battle by Giacomo Serpotta.
	San Giovanni degli Eremiti With its Arab-inspired bulbous red domes, this church is the most romantic building remaining from the heyday of Norman Palermo. It was founded in 1132 in honor of St. John of the Hermits and built on the grounds of a mosque.
	Santa Caterina A powerful example of Sicilian Baroque, the 17th- and 18th-century interior of Santa Caterina overwhelms the senses with colors, textures, sculpture and marble inlay.