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Palermo - The Cathedral
The Palermo Province stretches out in the northern part of Sicily looking out over the Tyrrhenian sea, with a tract of splendid coast opening out into the Carini Gulf, Palermo and Termini Imerese.
The seafront is fascinating due to its fantastic colors ranging from intense blue of the sea to the greenness of the vegetation, from the dark hues of the rocks against the whiteness of the beaches of the finest sand.
Mondello stands out as the beach most frequented by the local people, whereas Cefalù matches its monumental legacy with cozy beaches, and Sferracavallo, an ancient village of fishers, has become a haven for scuba diving. Against the skyline in the open sea in front of Palermo, you can distinguish the profile of Ustica Island, the remains of a group of former volcanoes, rich in naturalistic beauty with coves, caves, and archeological findings.
The territory is prevalently mountainous and includes the group of the Madonie that extend toward the Pollina and the Imera Valleys, including a part of the coast. This environment is protected by the Madonie Regional Park which offers spectacular panoramas and a great variety of landscapes, from the rough rocky mountains and cliffs diving straight down into the sea, up to the hilly expanse of the hinterland.
Besides the beauty of nature, renowned localities and marvelous artistic treasures of different eras make this territory unique and special, a popular tourist spot well-known among visitors.
From the Solunto ruins to the archeological area of Monte Jato, from Monreale to Palermo, the entire territory is full of art treasures, enchanting landscapes and attractive remains of ancient civilization.
Palermo shines in the center of the Gulf bearing its name, a city with a rich past that in ancient times was the melting pot of European and Arab civilization.
The province is full of attractions, from the historical villas punctuating the Bagheria area to the food and wine delicacies, and from the traditional folkloristic celebrations to the relaxing holidays by the sea. Palermo and all its territory is a tourist spot for all seasons and for all demands.
Palermo is the starting point of a touristic itinerary through the territory, and stands facing its gulf, surrounded by orange and lemon groves of the Conca D’Oro.
The city denotes a picturesque feature, dominated by the polychromatic marble of its buildings, the Arabian-like domes, the most colorful Vucciria market and the lushness of its green areas such as those of the Parco della Favorita, Villa Giulia and the Garibaldi gardens.
The splendid monuments displayed in the historical center testify to its illustrious past, example of which are the Palazzo dei Normanni with the Palatina chapel full of ancient mosaics and décor. The church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti is surmounted by five red domes and the cathedral, a majestic structure which contains works of art, and in particular, the “Royal and Imperial Tombs.”
Worthy of note is the church of San Domenico, one of Palermo’s main baroque monuments whereas the oratories of the Santo Rosario di San Domenico and of Santa Zita are famous for the rich stuccowork and their interior decorations.
Along the itinerary on your tour of the city, special mention must be made of the church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, which contains one of the most ancient mosaic cycles of Sicily, the church of Santa Caterina with its richly decorated interior and the attractive church of the Magione, founded in the 12th century.
Another spot you must not miss is Monreale, located in a panoramic position with respect to the Conca D’Oro, just a few kilometers from Palermo.
Monreale is one of the most renowned touristic spots of Sicily and of all Italy because of its artistic heritage, represented by the Cathedral, one of the highest samples of Norman times, with its interior completely adorned with decorations.
The small town of Bagheria, surrounded by a rich vegetation, is known for the presence of some noble 18th century villas, especially the luxurious Villa Valguarnera and the picturesque Villa Palagonia, also called “villa of monsters” due to the many sculptures it contains in the form of monstrous characters. Villa Cattolica, seat of the Guttuso Museum, is known for the works of art by this contemporary artist who is a native of Bagheria.
The San Cipirello territory also hosts the archeological site known as the settlement of Monte Jato: one of the most ancient cities of the island, as revealed by the different development phases. One can admire the superb ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite with its altar. There is also a great theater and the remains of the so-called Peristilium House.
Cefalù is a renowned and most frequented beach resort, famous also for its artistic legacy like the Cathedral which dominates the entire town, a building dating to the Norman times, and the Mandralisca Museum with its rich art and archeological collections.
The surrounding territory conserves numerous archeological findings. On the cliffs above the town, you find the remains of an ancient sanctuary whereas on the coast, there are numerous remains of archaic fortifications.
The Isle of Ustica is a renowned tourist spot because of its impressive coastal caves, its thick vegetation and a picturesque town center. Close to Santa Flavia, along a rocky slope you can admire the ruins of the ancient city of Solunto, a very interesting site due its unusual position and the richness of its findings.
The splendid coast with its beaches and rocky expanse is a tempting invitation to spend a relaxing holiday by the sea, to practice sailing and all the water sports.
Some parts of the coast and the island of Ustica are ideal for scuba diving. and boat excursions to visit some of its beautiful caves. The protected areas and natural reserves propose an infinity of routes for walking or trekking on the Madonie highlands.
The spas of Termini Imerese and Sclafani Bagni offer treatments and therapies for a regenerating stay.
The local calendar is punctuated by events like the feast of Santa Rosalia in Palermo (July) or the Targa Florio international rally of Sicily (July).
There are countless country fairs and festivals dedicated to typical products: in Gangi a characteristic country fair is held, dedicated to the wheat stalk which evokes the customs of country life of the past. In Cerda we have the artichoke country fair, and in Isnello that of the “tuma” and cottage cheese (July).
Among the most typical events, we highlight the carnival of Termini Imerese and the ”Estate Cefaludese” in Cefalù.
Easter celebrations are particularly attractive. The Holy week rites in Piana degli Albanesi trace Greek-Orthodox traditions whereas “Holy Representations” are held in Mondello and Prizzi. On Easter Sunday the “Abballu di li diavoli” (dance of the devils) is held. All of these fairs narrate of the allegorical battle between winter and spring, between darkness and light.
Countless and tasty food and wine delicacies are what this land offers.
Typical starters are the “arancini” and the “pani ca’ meusa", a roll of bread stuffed with veal entrails.
Unforgettable dishes of the territory are the pasta with sardines, baked “aneletti” al forno and “sfinciuni” tuna. Other local specialties are the “cchi mascolini” pasta, “spaghetti alla carrettiera,” typical Ustica fish soup, and fish broth with “attuateddi” pasta.
Fish-based dishes stand out among the second courses: “beccafico” sardines, tuna with onions, tuna with “ragù” sauce, and hakes cooked the Palermo way. Lamb and mutton meat are the specialties of the Madonie area.
As to desserts, there is a wide range: martorana fruits, “cassate” “cannoli” and “mostaccioli”. Outstanding wines are Corvo di Casteldaccia and Partinico wines.
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