Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, this majestic cathedral is an excellent example of the Arab-Norman style that characterises the city. The church, dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary of the Assumption, was officially consecrated in 1185 but has undergone numerous transformations over the years.

The exterior is majestic and will leave you breathless, but it is inside that the visit becomes even more surprising. Besides the possibility of visiting the crypt and the royal tombs, the building also houses the so-called 'cathedral treasure', a vast collection of royal jewellery from the 12th century.

The Palazzo dei Normanni is also undoubtedly on the list of what to see in Palermo, representing perhaps the most famous monument in the beautiful city.

With its unique style, layered over the years and featuring elements of different cultures and religions, this palace in Independence Square is truly amazing. Inside, you can visit the courtyards, the wonderful King Roger's Hall and admire the decorative mosaics. The jewel in the crown is the sumptuous Palatine Chapel.

Not far from the Palazzo dei Normanni, in Via dei Benedettini, stands a church with an unusual and surprising appearance. San Giovanni degli Eremiti is characterised by its red domes. Completed in 1136, the building is part of the Arab-Norman Palermo circuit. It is also worth visiting the interior to admire the Benedictine cloister and the 19th-century garden.

Palermo's Baroque itinerary includes some of the city 's most famous attractions. The famous Quattro Canti, at the intersection of Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda, consisting of four perfectly symmetrical Baroque buildings; the fountain in Piazza Pretoria, also known as the 'Fountain of Shame' due to the nudity of the statues that make it up, often considered one of the most beautiful and scenic fountains in Italy.

Also worth a visit are the Rococo Chapels of Santa Caterina and the six Baroque churches: Church of the Santissimo Salvatore, Church of Santa Maria di Monte Oliveto, Church of the Conception, Church of San Gioacchino, Church of San Domenico, Church of Santa Maria di Valverde. To discover all the secrets and history of these wonderful city monuments, the advice is to take part in a guided tour.

Did you know that the Martorana is not just a delicious almond cake? In the historical centre of Palermo is the Martorana Church, dedicated to Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio. With a characteristic mix of styles, the church houses the oldest mosaic cycle in the whole of Sicily. This church belongs to the district of Piana degli Albanesi, representing a Christian Orthodox place of worship.

Also on the list of what to see in Palermo is a visit sui generis and not for the impressionable: a visit to the Capuchin Catacombs. With the slogan 'the place where the living meet the dead', this ancient cemetery in Palermo's Capuchin Convent is home to some 8,000 beautifully preserved mummies. Initially dedicated only to the friars of the convent, over the years many members of noble families have been buried in this special place.

The Teatro Massimo in Palermo is the largest opera house in Italy. With a vast programme of ballets, operas and concerts, it is possible to visit it by joining a guided tour. The view from the roofs of the theatre is also particularly impressive.

If you are looking for inspiration on what to see and do in Palermo at night, the alleys around the Teatro Massimo are full of life and clubs, and the path leading to the maritime cove is perfect for an evening stroll. Or you can always attend a show.

Villa Giulia is today a public city garden. The particular geometric layout of the green space, established in 1778, the monumental entrance and the wonderful sculptures make this park an oasis of peace and beauty. Be sure to admire the Atlas Fountain in the centre of the garden, as well as the famous fountain of the Genius of Palermo.

Adjacent to Villa Giulia is theBotanical Garden of the University of Palermo. Established in 1795, today the garden is divided into two sections, ancient and modern, and contains numerous tropical plants and rarities.

On any self-respecting list of what to visit in Palermo, you cannot miss this wonderful example of Arab-Norman architecture. Built just outside the old city walls, the Zisa Castle was erected in 1165 at the behest of William I. The name 'zisa' derives from the Arabic al-ʿAzīza, 'splendid'.
Today the castle houses the Museum of Islamic Art.

The archaeological museum in Palermo holds one of the most extensive archaeological collections in Italy. Housed in the splendid structure of the former convent of the Philippine Friars, the museum combines artefacts and architectural beauty.

Among the most interesting finds are the 'Palermo Stone ', an inscription dating back to 2900 BC, and finds from the Etruscan civilisation of Chiusi.

How can we talk about what to do in Palermo without mentioning the delicious local cuisine. A tour of Palermo's street food will take you on a discovery of traditional flavours, including panelle bread, sfincione, arancine and inimitable desserts.

It is also impossible not to visit the city's famous markets, such as the historic Vucciria market and the Ballarò district market.

If you feel you need a break amidst all this sightseeing, Mondello is for you. This suburban district is famous for its Art Nouveau buildings, prehistoric art finds and famous beach.

Well-equipped, with sunbeds, umbrellas, cabins and many small restaurants, Mondello beach is a popular destination for Palermitanians and very popular with tourists. Definitely crowded, a visit out of season will make your stay even more relaxing.

You cannot say you have visited Palermo without going to Monreale, about 40 minutes' drive from the city, and visiting its spectacular cathedral. One of the most celebrated aspects of this cathedral is the mixture of architectural styles: Norman, Byzantine, Arab and Baroque. But it is the interior that is most impressive, with its magnificent cycle of gold mosaics .

Monte Pellegrino is a limestone promontory about 600 m above sea level that characterises the skyline of the city of Palermo. It is also one of the stops on the Via Rosaliae, dedicated to the city's patron saint, Santa Rosalia, as well as a nature reserve. During the excursion, make a stop at the Santuario della Santuzza, inside which is the karstic cave where the saint's bones were found.

If you have time, an excursion from Palermo to Cefalù is the best way to complete your trip. Only 1 hour away by car, this small town is famous for its splendid cathedral, a UNESCO heritage site and an example of Arab-Norman architecture. But Cefalù is full of things to see and, thanks to its picturesque appearance, offers unforgettable views.

Take a stroll along Corso Ruggero among the many small shops and Baroque churches, admire the view from the medievalfortress and take a dip in the harbour bay.