Begin your tour at the Cathedral of Palermo, erected in 1185 and dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Learn how it was transformed into a mosque by the Saracens in the 9th century. Admire the medieval edifice, originally with a basilica plan with three apses, of which only minor architectural elements survive today.
Head inside to see the Latin cross plan with a nave and two aisles divided by pilasters. In the first two chapels of the right aisle, see the tombs of emperors and royal figures moved here in the 18th century, including Emperor Henry VI, his son Frederick II, and Peter II of Sicily.
Admire a Roman sarcophagus that houses Constance of Aragon, Frederick’s wife, and see the mosaic baldachins that house the tombs of Roger II, the first King of Sicily, and his daughter Constance.
Continue along Vittorio Emanuele Street to Quattro Canti Square, where you will see the Fontana Pretoria, built in 1544. The fountain featured 48 statues and was surrounded by a long arbor formed by 90 wooden columns designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati.
Next, visit the church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (also called Martorana), a unique fusion of styles accumulated over centuries. Built in the compact cross-in-square (Greek cross plan), the church is renowned for its 12th-century Byzantine mosaics, showing similarities to the Cappella Palatina, Monreale Cathedral, and Cefalù Cathedral, executed by skilled craftsmen. The nave dome features the majestic Christ Pantokrator surrounded by archangel saints — truly breathtaking.
Along the tour, enjoy a street food experience with Palermo’s famous pastelle, fried in olive oil, accompanied by a craft beer, and topped off with a traditional Sicilian cannolo.
