Historic Sites in Palermo

Historic Sites in Palermo, Italy

Palermo Historic Sites

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    Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
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    Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
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Sights & Landmarks
Sights & Landmarks
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68 places sorted by traveler favorites
Showing results 1-30 of 68

What travelers are saying

  • Outofdodge_10
    Santa Fe, NM1,313 contributions
    I never mind paying for an entrance ticket because I know it will go toward restoration or maintenance. That said, I would visit this palace when in Palermo. The architecture alone is worth the price of admission.
    Written March 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LFC19YNWA
    72 contributions
    One of the weirdest things I’ve ever seen. However it was also quite fascinating in a way. The entry fee is only €3 and your money goes to providing meals for local families so from that respect it’s not a bad thing.

    You can’t take pictures or videos but then again why would you

    Overall it’s an interesting place to visit but not one I would bother repeating.
    Written January 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paola M
    7 contributions
    This place was really fascinating! We had a “private” tour with Alessia and she was great!
    I recommend this place as a must see in Palermo.
    Written February 3, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Emilija K
    Leicestershire, UK30 contributions
    Excellent and exceptional place to visit. Sadly, there are no tours in English, no audioguides or practically any information in English. Such a shame, and does not help to attract tourists.
    Written January 5, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carl H
    40 contributions
    The churches in Palermo are impressive. We didn't visit most, but we did visit a few. SGdT is extraordinarily ornate. But so are some of the others. Worth a visit.
    Written October 18, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • reallyrosieNashville
    Nashville81 contributions
    Beautiful chapel of sorts, very elaborate plaster figures surrounding the chapel, worth a visit. Apparently this chapel was not used to serve mass, but as a place for discussion and speeches.
    Written June 15, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gianluca A
    Piovene Rocchette, Italy31 contributions
    Large, secluded, abandoned, church, without roof, not far by piazza magione, now in summer setting for performances; for me despite being the falling ruin of what once was a magnificent one, preserve somwhat of magic and inspiring, it's well worth a little detour.
    Written February 27, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stephan, Berlin
    Munich, Germany8 contributions
    This Palazzio built 1802 is a real surprise. Its a bit out of town / 11km but worth. Its the (1) architecture (2) wall decoration/fresco (3) the magic diningtable with an "table-elevator" to the service quarter / kitchen in the basment. Its next to the PALAZZIO NISCEMI (today villa for guests of the city Palermo) in a beautiful garden. Only open Saturday/Sunday - book!! Also worth seeing!
    Written November 17, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ANGELO V
    Milan, Italy2,608 contributions
    The mane "Zisa" comes from the Arabic al-ʿAzīza, or "the splendid one". This palace was built out of the city walls, in a royal park, starting from 1165. It was completed around the end of the 12th century, and it was not modified until the 17th century.

    Some bold modifications were applied during the 17th-18th centuries. Partial abandonment of the palace followed, leading to a partial collapse in 1971. A reconstruction followed, and since 1991 the Zisa Palace is home to the Museum of Islamic Art: a few objects can be seen in the different rooms.

    A very beautiful room is the Fountain Room, on the ground floor of the structure. This room is also ornate with muqarnas.

    The palace is immersed in a nice garden, which is home to several friendly cats.
    Written December 4, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Amy
    5 contributions
    I stumbled across this charming palazzo whilst exploring Palermo on a solo trip. Giovanni, the owner personally showed me around his house which has been so well kept. He made such an effort to speak in English and it was wonderful to see the portraits of his ancestors and to take a walk around his wonderful home. Well worth the €10 for this hidden gem!
    Written September 21, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Marassa
    Moscow, Russia14,312 contributions
    Magnificent building - a worthy monument to the genius of Ernesto Basile and to brilliant and painstaking work of the restorers who have been doing a tremendous job of re-creating the interiors lost to fire.
    If you are an art nouveau buff then you simply must see it and if you are not then still come and maybe become one ;)
    Ah yes - and it's free to visit!
    Written October 31, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • valinaf1983
    Turin, Italy19 contributions
    Amazing visit. Alessio was the perfect guide which explained everything about the family and perfectly described all about the family.
    Written July 10, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • IbnBatutta3000
    Bangkok301 contributions
    Year after year you would look at ruined fassades around here, now a private iniciative has turned this palace into a jewel again and is still wroking on it. Congratulations on this piece of art, we loeved it!
    Written June 8, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jazzumbo
    Romania1,699 contributions
    Can't understand why this magnificent church is not included in UNESCO heritage (”Norman Arab Palermo and the cathedrals of Cefalu and Monreale”)
    Can't understand why the Byzantine influence on the above monuments is not even mentioned (although it is obvious, especially in the case of La Martorana church and Monreale Cathedral).
    However, if you're interested in Norman Arab Byzantine monuments in Sicily, you should visit this church as well.
    It is located in a picturesque neighborhood and has a lovely garden and a cloister.
    Written October 16, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Israel R
    Ra'anana, Israel16,126 contributions
    The "Santa Maria Church of the Chain", built in the early 13th century, received her name from a legend about prisoners released from prison by St. Santa Maria and the chain (Catena) which was used to close the port of Palermo. Who disappeared one day from its permanent place and suddenly emerged on the church’s door. The exterior of the church is quite simple and uninviting to enter. It is highly recommended not to miss a short visit within the church mainly because of the richness of the decorations and art works that fill it.
    Written May 29, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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