About this experience
You will walk through the oldest quarters, climb to the best panoramic viewpoints, visit the women's monastery, the main cathedral of Palermo, and the Royal Palace with its famous mosaic. I will show you the architectural masterpieces of the Sicilian capital, built from the times of Arab rule to the unification of Italy, and tell you their history. I will also take you around the city not only through the central streets, but also through small winding alleys, where a special soulful atmosphere of the 'real' Palermo reigns.
What to expect
A bird's-eye view of Palermo
You will climb to the roof of the Monastery of Saint Catherine, look down at the Fountain of Shame, and learn what medieval nuns used to shout while looking at it. You will taste delicious almond and vanilla pastries prepared according to ancient secret recipes, and hear why local servants used to sell them in silence.
Royal Palace
We will visit the legendary Royal Palace - the most important monument of Palermo, which has long played a role as a political and military center. I will tell you when and why the palace was built, what the Byzantine scenes on its walls mean, and what details the Arab builders brought into the palace's decorations. You will be amazed by the wonderful mosaics against a gold background, the wooden coffered ceiling, and the magnificent Norman chapel.
Stroll through secret alleys and the Cathedral
You will visit the Cathedral of Palermo and learn what it has in common with the Royal Palace, how many city patrons are buried in it, and what once stood on the site of the basilica. We will walk not only through the central streets, but also through mysterious roads where 'flying chairs' used to appear in the evenings, and a secret sect dispensed justice at night.
Organizational details
- On some days, the tour can start after 3:00 PM, please check with the guide for availability.
- The tour is not conducted on Sundays and public holidays.
- Entrance tickets and pastry tasting not included in the price: viewpoint - 10 euros per person, Royal Palace (chapel and apartments) - 18 euros. IMPORTANT: on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, it is not possible to visit the royal apartments, only the chapel. Ticket prices on these days: 16 euros - adults, 10 euros - children aged 14 to 17, 11 euros - EU citizens over 65 years old, free for children under 14.
- Please wear comfortable shoes - the walking route is approximately 2.5 km. Unfortunately, the tour is not suitable for young children in strollers and people with limited mobility, as there are no elevators at the viewpoints.
- If there are more than 6 people in your group, there is an additional fee of 25 euros per participant.
