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Sicily ->
Palermo
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Palermo
Palermo on the
north west coast of Sicily is the island's capital city and
one of its leading ports. Of all Sicily's cities, it most
strikingly embraces all aspects of the island's later history
from the Arab, Norman and Spanish invasions to the influences
of the Belle Epoque era.
The differing styles of architecture and artistic treasures
are a feast for the eyes, while the city's turbulent history
is ever present in the busy streets. Visitors can sample the
animated local lifestyle in the enormous markets, particularly
the Vuccaria, or delve into the historic past in the
Cathedral, huge churches like Santa Caterina, a splendid
example of Sicilian Baroque, museums, magnificent palaces,
beautiful squares and a wonderful botanical garden.
For anyone looking for alternatives to city centre sights,
Palermo has a fascinating hinterland. Day or half-day trips
offer the beautiful Norman monastery at Monreale in the
mountains behind Palermo, the brooding lonely Greek ruins of
Segesta and Selinunte, or the rustic pleasures of the natural
park in the Madonie mountains. All visitors to Palermo should
try the city's famous pasta con sarde at least once. Listing
its diverse ingredients - salted sardines, sultanas, pine
nuts, fennel, tomato sauce and saffron - gives only a hint of
the combined flavours of this exhilarating dish. If you favour
sandy beaches then Palermo's popular resort of Mondello has a
2km stretch of fine golden coastline. |
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