Palermo is the capital of the Italian island of Sicily, located right by the Gulf of Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s best known for its lovely Mediterranean weather, history, architecture and gastronomy.
Impressive architecture ranges from Romanesque to Gothic and Baroque. The 12th-century Palermo Cathedral houses royal tombs, while the huge neoclassical Teatro Massimo is known for opera performances. Also in the centre are the Palazzo dei Normanni, a royal palace built in the 9th century, and the Cappella Palatina, with Byzantine mosaics.
Busy markets include the central Ballarò street market and the Vucciria, near the port. Both are widely known for their colourful fruit, vegetable and fish markets.