Itineraries
Discover the many facets of Palermo with authentic and astonishing itineraries
If you are not sure exactly how to get around to visit all the attractions the city offers, you can rely on the four extraordinary itineraries that we have created for you. It is a simple and organised way to see everything that is worth visiting.
1. Arab-Norman Tour and UNESCO Heritage Sites
Starting from Grand Hotel Wagner, you can take a pleasant stroll and discover the treasures of Arab-Norman Palermo and the most beautiful UNESCO Heritage Sites.
Head towards Piazza Pretoria, called Piazza della Vergogna by residents for its beautiful fountain of nudes, and home to the Town Hall.
A few steps away, you can go on towards Piazza Bellini, where you can admire Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, also known as La Martorana, with its magnificent Byzantine mosaics.
Next to it, you will find the church of San Cataldo. This extraordinary architectural example testifies to the interaction between Eastern and Western styles and which stands out for its characteristic red domes.
Going up Corso Vittorio Emanuele towards Porta Nuova, you can also reach the splendid Cathedral of Palermo, which has fascinating, varied architecture.
Continuing along Corso Vittorio Emanuele to Piazza Indipendenza, you will find the majestic Royal Palace with its splendid Palatine Chapel.
The next stop is the nearby San Giovanni degli Eremiti church, which is characterised by its pink domes and peaceful surrounding garden.
2. Aristocracy along the Cassaro
Following roughly the previous itinerary, along the ancient Cassaro, you can enrich your visit with four stately mansions that are famous throughout Sicily.
Heading towards Piazza Pretoria, you will come across Palazzo Bonocore, known for its splendid interior decorations and breathtaking view of the square and the fountain.
Continuing along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, you will reach Palazzo Drago just a short distance further on, less known but equally fascinating, with luxurious interiors and an atmosphere of great elegance.
Turning the corner, you will reach Palazzo Asmundo, located just opposite the Cathedral of Palermo.
This 18th-century mansion houses an interesting museum with collections of ceramics, weapons and musical instruments, offering a spectacular view of the cathedral.
3. Markets and street food
If you want to breathe in the crisp air and chaotic atmosphere of the typical markets, this itinerary will win you over.
Starting from the hotel and heading towards the nearby Teatro Massimo, you will come across the first market, the Antico Mercato del Capo, a continuous swarm of stalls, workshops and shops with food products with a thousand smells, flavours and colours, in the typical tradition of Arab markets.
From this market, heading towards Piazza Beati Paoli and passing the cathedral, you arrive at Ballarò, the oldest and most famous market in the city, which offers not only stalls of clothes and objects, but typical delicacies such as arancini (rice croquettes), bread and oilcakes, cannoli (traditional horn-shaped filled Sicilian pastries) and much more.
From here, in a 5-minute walk, you can go through the Giudecca, the ancient Jewish district that offers a glimpse of the history of Palermo, with its narrow streets and ancient buildings.
Returning towards the hotel, and passing Piazza Pretoria and walking along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, you will reach the Vucciria Market, famous for its lively atmosphere and for the wide range of street food, such as bread with spleen, boiled octopus and fresh seafood.
4. Esoteric Palermo
Through its ancient alleys and historical monuments, Palermo reveals its esoteric dimension, which is made of legends, secret sects and evocative atmospheres.
This tour will guide you to discover some of the most enigmatic places in the city.
Starting from the hotel, passing the Teatro Massimo and walking along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, you can reach Piazza Beati Paoli, a place immersed in an aura of mystery and legend, linked to the secret sect of the Beati Paoli, who is said to have met in the undergrounds of the city to practice magical rituals and occultism.
Continuing along Via Sant’Agostino, you will come to the Church of Santa Maria di Gesù del Capo, associated with stories of miracles and mystery, with its atmosphere that evokes a sense of ancient spirituality and alchemy.
From here, proceeding along Via Maqueda, you will reach the Casa Professa, located in the square of the same name.
This Jesuit church is famous for its magnificent frescoes and baroque decorations, but also for its connection to the esoteric and mystical world.
If you have time left and want to explore further, you can take about a 30-minute walk to reach the Catacombs of the Capuchins, which are one of the most fascinating and disturbing places in Palermo.
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