By Melanie Renzulli

Warm, colorful and spicy Palermo, the capital of the island of Sicily, is an assault on the senses, and it’s not worth it to begin with. Below are the top things to do in Palermo. An interesting example of the city’s best markets, venues and events for first-time or returning travelers.

Palazzo di Normani – Palace of the Normans

Cappella Palatina in the Palazzo di Normani.
Russell Mountford / Underworld Images / Gati Image
The Norman castle in the historic center of Permero dates back to the 9th century; Today it is a seat of the Sicilian Parliament. The palazzo houses some of the most beautiful examples of Byzantine mosaics in the world, the Capella Pallatina.

San Giovanni de Elle Eremiti

A symbol of the city of Palmero, this red-chambered building near the Palazzo di Normanni recalls Istanbul’s Sagia Sophia. Its name derives from the Byzantine, Arab and Norma influences from the time of the Benedictines. The Sanu Jonini Digli Emremitte is a perfect place to examine the architectural relationships of the many cultures that influenced Piero’s appearance.

Parmormo Cattedrale

Palazzo dei Normanni Paloso dei Normanni Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Palermo’s main attraction, Palermo is a large monumental building and various architectural styles. There are also Roman tombs, Greek and Roman sarcophagi, and the crown of Catherine of Arron.

Vucciria market

The 700-year-old Vucciria Market, full of costumes and carvings, brimming with alcoholic beauty, is the smell, the scent, and the citizens of Parmarmo.

Teatro Massimo

One of the most popular settings for the scene of The Godfather, the Teatro Massimo is one of the best opera houses in Italy and one of the largest opera houses in Europe. If you can’t catch an opera, tours are conducted daily (except Mondays). A famous meeting place in Pallamitani is also the grand staircase that leads to the stage.

Catacombe dei Cappuccini – Catacombs of Palermo

Of all the places in Italy to see mummies and skeletons, Pulvero Catacombe dei Cappuccini is the most vulgar. From the 16th century to as early as the 1920s, bodies were sent here for “burial” from their corpses. Apparently hundreds of mummies commit suicide under various circumstances. This amazing and humiliating show is not for the heart touching.

Paliamo Sicily

Called “il teatro” (city theater) called “Quartro Canti” in old Palermo, it’s perfect for people-watching and a gentle hike, especially if you check out the infamous statues that populate the main square of the Plaza Repubblica. Once known as “Pizza Vergona” or “Shame of the Square”, the Plaza Praetoria is surrounded by many rivers, Tritons and a Manistis mountain dotted with the barren gems of the Nimes.