5 Unusual Palermo Destinations to Explore in 2018

Palermo has been named the Italian capital of culture for the year 2018. As this magical city prepares for the year ahead, you can expect a wealth of experiences to be on offer.

If you’re among the holidaymakers that have selected Palermo as your next holiday destination, then we’ve got an exciting article for you. We’ve got 5 unusual Palermo destinations that are absolutely worth exploring in 2018:

Arenella

Arenella is a maritime district of Palermo located on the north coast, the only part of the city that has a direct relationship with the sea. Born as a fishing village and developed around the Tonnara Florio during the nineteenth century, it is here that you’ll find the two ports of Arenella and dell’Acquasanta.

In the post-war period and as Palermo expanded, the distance between the city centre and Arenella quickly decreased, until the latter was incorporated into the city, becoming a modern district in the northern area.

Strolling through the alleyways of Arenella, the Tonnara complex will stand out: it was bought in 1830 by Vincenzo Florio who commissioned the architect Carlo Giachery to transform the ancient structure into a residence.

One of Arenella’s most distinct features is a Neo-Gothic quadrangular building with four spires. This iconic building takes influence from the styles of English Gothic architecture. The interiors are filled with a sumptuous chromatic decoration and extraordinary furniture made of wood.

This historic Palermo structure is now partly occupied by a restaurant and a disco but it is open and can be visited during “The Ways of the Treasures" event between September and October. However, even from the outside, this evocative little Palermo attraction exudes charm.

Palazzo Abatellis

Palazzo Abatellis is a grand late-fifteenth-century mansion with an unmistakable Gothic-Catalan style. Since 1953, it has housed the Regional Gallery of Sicily. Here, you’ll find works by medieval Sicilian artists, including late-medieval crosses, vases and artefacts from the Arab era, as well as paintings from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries on display.

One of the most important works of art is the splendid fresco of the "Triumph of Death". Made in the fifteenth century and considered a masterpiece of pictorial art of that period, this anonymous fresco is highly regarded. Additionally, the delicate bust of Eleonora d'Aragona by Francesco Laurana and the intense "Annunziata" by Antonello da Messina painted in 1473 are also found in these halls.

Palazzo Chiaramonte

Palazzo Chiaramonte, known as the "Steri", is one of the most symbolic places of Palermo. It contains seven centuries of art and history of Sicily. It is also the first example of the new architectural style that overtook the island at the beginning of the fourteenth century, called Chiaramonte.

Elegant and solemn, the palace is enriched by splendid colonnades, beautiful mullioned windows and triple windows. Restored by Scarpa and the architect Roberto Calandra, it is now home to the Rectorate of the University of Palermo. Here you’ll also discover the famous painting by Renato Guttuso, "La Vucciria", making it a wonderful attraction to explore if you have an interest in art.

The Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia

The Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, dedicated to the patron saint of the city, is located inside a rock crevice near the top of Monte Pellegrino. This cave shrine was established to honour the memory of Santa Rosalia, whose remains were discovered on 15th July 1624.

The citizens of Palermo call it the sanctuary of the "santuzza" from the old staircase, in reference to an eighteenth-century cobblestone stairway that starts in Via Bonanno. The path of the 4 km staircase is not very steep and any able-bodied visitor can easily follow it. Here, to honour the city’s patron saint and keep fit, devotees and many sportsmen run up the steps daily.

I Cuochini

If you’re feeling hungry, then you’ll want to visit I Cuochini. Situated in the centre of Palermo, on Via Ruggero Settimo between the Teatro Massimo and the Politeama Theater, I Cuochini is one of the oldest gastronomic “laboratories” of the city.

At this destination, it is possible to taste the best street food in all of Palermo. A revered reference point for connoisseurs of fast and budget-friendly cuisine, this Palermo restaurant is always attentive to quality and linked to the traditional Sicilian cuisine.

The counter is always full of freshly prepared delights and the open kitchens allow patrons to appreciate the passion and care that goes into each dish. You'll be spoiled for choice, with arancinette, panzerotti, focaccine with panelle, timballetti and crocchettine all available.

Get in Touch

If you’re interested in visiting the places on this list of unusual Palermo destinations, get in touch with our Italian travel experts today to find out more about our customised Sicily package holidays. Contact us via our online form or call us at (UK) 01223 637331or (US) 347-594-5500.