Palermo

Thanks to its centuries-old history, Palermo is a city of a thousand souls , shaped by numerous dominations and cultural exchanges. Its fascinating heritage, a mix of Arab , Byzantine , Baroque , Neoclassical , and Liberty styles, is unparalleled in Italy.

Examples of this are the Camera delle Meraviglie, a small gem of Islamic-Turkish art painted in blue with gold and silver Arabic inscriptions (discovered by chance inside an ancient building), and the Chinese building in Parco della Favorita, a neoclassical structure topped with a pagoda commissioned by Ferdinand III of Bourbon.

The park itself is an excellent place to relax, a peaceful hideaway from the city’s busy traffic, just like the Botanical Garden in the Kalsa district, a peaceful oasis filled with towering trees from around the globe.

In this area, you can also visit an intriguing historical building, the Chiesa dello Spasimo

The church, which was never completed and lacks a roof or flooring, was abandoned in the mid-16th century due to threats from the Turks, which forced the city to strengthen the defensive system around the church. However, the allure of the church remains, and nowadays, this former place of worship hosts a variety of theatrical and musical performances.

Lastly, a visit to the beach is a must. The city boasts a variety of stunning beaches, from the historic coastline beaches like Romagnolo and Vergine Maria, to the famed Mondello, an escape from the city centre and known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters.