Palermo

just west of the city centre· Cheap

The catacombs of the Capuchin convent contain over 8,000 mummified ex-residents from Palermo and its surrounding villages, some merely clothed skeletons, other remarkably well-preserved and lifelike.

Corso Vittorio Emanuele

Honey-coloured and Catalan influenced. Frederick II, Barbarossa's grandson, died in 1250 and is buried here, far from his ancestral home above Hohenstaufen, Germany. Frederick's sarcophagus is of porphyry dyed with imperial purple.

Piazza Indipendenza

It's one of the artistic gems of Palermo: a chapel with magnificent mosaics and Arabian-style decorations, among the most beautiful in the world. It is inside of Palazzo dei Normanni.

The Gesu Church is one of the most architecturally important in Palermo. Constructed between 1564–1633, its late date of completion resulted in an abundant use of polychrome marbles on both floors and walls.

Piazza del Parlamento, 1· Moderate

The oldest royal residence in Europe, the home of the rulers of the Kingdom of Sicily and imperial seat of the Emperor Frederick II. The palace contains the Cappella Palatina, the best example of the Arab-Norman style of Sicily.

Via dei Bernadetti

Church notable for its brilliant red domes, which show the persistence of the Arab influences in the 12th century, with its typical Arab-Norman style. Theadmission ensures that the lovely garden is quiet and peaceful.

Via Maqueda, 172A

Bistro in the centre of Palermo with a wide choice of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Beautiful restaurant, with retro air, very unique old bookstore. Smiling waitress, very good food, decent waiting time.

Via Maqueda, 221

Very good pizzeria, a real delight. Also Vegan options. For those intolerant to gluten and lactose, the pizzas are gluten-free and the mozzarella is lactose-free.

Via Vittorio Emanuele, 251

Best place to eat a delicious arancina in Palermo downtown. The owner is really kind and friendly. Quality ingredients and courteous staff.

Via Coltellieri, 6

The real Palermo cuisine. Informal trattoria with tables also outdoors. Good mixed fried food, excellent mussels. No English menu.

Via Maqueda, 253

Great place, very delicious pasta and the bruschetta with the mozarella is tasty. They serve both pasta and great burgers.

Discesa dei Giudici, 24. Close to station and Quattro Canti. Great Sicilian food, most dishes

Via Orologio 31

Bed and breakfast Teatro Massimo is an elegant residence in the heart of Palermo, 50 m from the Teatro Massimo, in the pedestrian area of the historical centre. The historic building is completely restored and has an elevator.

Via Roma, 62

Original liberty style building in the historical centre, three-star B&B with rooms with AC, WiFi, private bathroom (external or also ensuite), central heating, LCD tv, mini bar, frigo, original furnishings of early 1900s.

30 m from the sea and 2 km (1.24 miles) from Mondello

A group of 1- and 2-bedroom self-catering apartments, on Sferracavallo's seafront close to Palermo. Simple but comfortable studios have an outdoor yard, for relaxing during the day and romantic dinners by night.

in the historical city centre, opposite the sea

Offers rooms and self-catering apartments with 17th-century style decorations. Fully furnished with all mod cons: a/c, washing machines, kitchen with oven, freezer, dishwasher, satellite TV. Children welcome.

Lungomare C. Colombo 1931

Villa Addaura, a bed and breakfast in Mondello, is in a beautiful location 10 metres from the sea.

on the Via Alloro 1 block from Piazza San Francesco· Pricey

In the historic centre of Palermo near Al Teatro Massimo.