Piazza Pretoria, Palermo

Discover the top sights in Palermo's historic center on a guided walking tour. Learn about the history and everyday realities of the influence of the Mafia, as well as the civic movement against Mafioso power as you explore the city. Meet your guide and begin your mafia-themed adventure through the streets of Palermo. See notable sites like Teatro Massimo, the open-air market Il Capo, and Piazza Della Memoria, which serves as a memorial dedicated to prosecutors and judges killed by the mafia. Along the Cassaro, see shops and businesses with orange stickers on their windows, representing owners that have said no to paying the extortion racket and have subscribed to the ethical consumer campaign titled pago chi non paga (I pay who does not pay).  After strolling by sights like Piazza Beati Paoli, Palermo Cathedral, and the city hall, finish the tour in the heart of Palermo's old town center. Get tips from your guide on how to continue your visit and where to taste the best Sicilian specialties.

By choosing this small group tour, you will have the opportunity to admire the best attractions, with a tasty local break! This three hours small group tour will take you to the must-see spots of the city centre, crossing the Baroque and Normann-Arab style architecture, including attractions such as the Piazza Pretoria (Praetorian Square), called by the locals Square of Shame. The huge marble fountain you can admire in this square is amazing, and it is also the reason of the square's name, due to the nudity of its statues. The Praetorian Palace is located in this plaza, too, and it hosts the Town Hall, which is usually open to the public so that you may spot the mayor of Palermo. This impressive building was built in the 14th century, and it was renovated in the 19th century. Your cultural and historical experience will be enriched by admiring the Royal Palace, which now hosts the Regional Parliament of Sicily. After the Normans conquered Sicily in 1072, the palace was the main residence of the kings. In 1132, King Roger II added the magnificent Palatine Chapel, which is decorated with unique golden mosaics. When visiting Palermo, we cannot ignore its religious significance, so that they will be part of our small group itinerary, such as the Martorana Church, famous around the world for its beauty and majestic appearance. In fact, an Arabic traveller who visited the Martorana in 1184 called this Christian church "the most beautiful monument in the world", which perfectly resumes all we could have said about this site. One more unmissable stop will be the Cathedral of Palermo, a brilliant and unique example of stratification of styles, from Muslim to Normans to the Christian reconversion.

On my walking tour, I’ll help you uncover Palermo’s layers of history, culture, and myth in a way that feels personal and authentic. Designed for small groups up to 6 people, my tours are about connecting with the city—not rushing through it. We’ll meet in the city center, with details shared the day before, and from there, we’ll dive into Palermo’s vibrant streets. From bustling markets and awe-inspiring cathedrals to quiet, hidden corners, every stop will reveal a piece of the city’s rich and multicultural heritage. Along the way, I’ll share stories of ancient myths, legendary figures, and modern tales that bring Palermo to life. I’ll also show you where locals eat, drink, and unwind, giving you a true insider’s perspective. This isn’t about checking off a list of landmarks; it’s about truly experiencing the city. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories, a deeper connection to Palermo, and plenty of recommendations to keep exploring on your own. So, gather your travel companions—or come on your own—and join me for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Palermo.

This excursion offers a true Sicilian travel experience, discover the most important Arab-Norman monuments such as the Martorana church, the Cathedral, the Quattro Canti, Piazza Bellini and the Piazza Pretoria. Experience the vibrant, local market il Capo, with its colorful fruit, vegetable and the fish market at the heart of the city. Palermo is Sicily's cultural, economic and touristic capital. It is a city rich in history, culture, art, music and food. See for yourself why numerous tourists are attracted to the city for its good Mediterranean weather, its renowned gastronomy and restaurants, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque churches, palaces and buildings. Cefalù is a city and commune in the province of Palermo, located on the northern coast of Sicily, Italy on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Explore the Cathedral, started in 1131 in an Arab-Norman style architecture. Admire the exterior which is well preserved, and is largely decorated with interlacing pointed arches.

Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of Palermo with a private tour led by a seasoned guide. Embark on a captivating exploration of the city's rich history and architectural wonders. Your journey begins at the meeting point in Via Rosolino Pilo, where you'll rendezvous with your guide in front of the hotel Mediterraneo. From there, set forth on a three-hour odyssey through Palermo's enchanting streets, delving into the mesmerizing blend of Baroque and Norman-Arabic influences that define its landscape. Discover the majestic Piazza Pretoria, where the grandeur of the fountain takes center stage amidst the bustling square. Traverse through time as you visit the historic Praetorian Palace, a symbol of Palermo's political legacy. Behold the splendor of the Royal Palace, now home to the Regional Parliament. Marvel at the intricate mosaics and Byzantine charm of Martorana Church, before venturing to the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Palermo, a testament to the city's enduring faith and architectural prowess. Along the way, savor the flavors of Sicily with a stop at a local shop to indulge in a traditional Sicilian cannolo, adding a deliciously authentic touch to your exploration.

Explore the rich cultural tapestry of Palermo with this combined tour, blending the highlights of the city's architecture and history. Begin by delving into the heart of Palermo's historic center on a three-hour small group tour, marveling at Baroque and Normann-Arab style architecture. Admire iconic landmarks such as the Praetorian Square, home to the striking marble fountain and the historic Praetorian Palace. Continue your journey through Palermo's religious heritage with visits to the exterior of the Martorana Church and the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Palermo, showcasing centuries of architectural evolution. After immersing yourself in Palermo's cultural treasures, delve deeper into history with a guided tour of the Palazzo dei Normanni and its magnificent Cappella Palatina. Learn about over 800 years of Sicilian history as you explore the oldest royal residence in Europe, once the seat of Sicilian kings. Marvel at the exquisite blend of Islamic, Byzantine, and Norman influences in the Palatine Chapel, a testament to the diverse cultural exchanges of the medieval era. Your tour includes access to the palace's gardens, providing a tranquil retreat amidst the city's vibrant streets. With a total duration of 4.5 hours, this comprehensive experience offers the perfect blend of cultural immersion and historical exploration in the enchanting city of Palermo.

(Italian Only) We will meet in front of the Teatro Massimo, in the center of Palermo, to start an evening tour of the Sicilian capital. Ready to immerse yourself in a unique and timeless atmosphere? We will start by admiring the famous Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Italy. In front of its imposing facade, (often a set of famous films) we will talk about the history of the Florio family, promoters of the cultural and artistic transformation of Palermo during the Belle Époque as well as the construction of the theater itself. We will pass in front of the Opera dei Pupi theater, where the most famous performances of the Sicilian puppet tradition are staged. Did you know that this art has been declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by Unesco? We will head towards Piazza Olivella, where the Regional Archaeological Museum and the church of Sant'Ignazio are located, one of the most sumptuous Baroque temples in the city. Not far away is the birthplace of Santa Rosalia, proclaimed patron saint of the city by popular acclaim for having freed it from the plague. We will cross via Roma, a monumental and busy nineteenth-century street full of theaters and shops to arrive at piazza San Domenico dominated by the imposing mass of the church of the same name, the Pantheon of the city. Inside you can admire many tombs and funeral monuments of illustrious Sicilians including that of Giovanni Falcone. We will enter the Vucciria, the city's celebrated ancient market immortalized in a famous painting by Renato Guttuso. We will then head to the Quattro Canti, a scenic Baroque square, the center of the ancient city. Next to it is Piazza Pretoria with its renowned Renaissance fountain and Palazzo delle Aquile, the center of civil power in the city since '400. We will arrive in Piazza Bellini, entirely surrounded by ancient monuments including the characteristic church of San Cataldo with the three red Arab-style domes, symbol of the city and the church and monastery of Santa Caterina where typical Sicilian sweets are still produced according to the ancient recipes of the nuns. We will be able to stop for a coffee in the historic Torrefazione Stagnitta before reaching Piazza Croce dei Vespri, famous for the famous Sicilian revolution of 1200. We will admire Palazzo Ganci famous for being the famous set of the film The Leopard and Palazzo Bonnet, an imposing palace from the '300 today home to the Modern Art Gallery. We will cross a neighborhood full of young artisans' shops to conclude our evening tour in Piazza San Francesco where the majestic fourteenth-century church stands out, the oratory of San Lorenzo where the stolen Caravaggio was located and where the Antica Focacceria San Francesco has been located since point of reference of popular Palermo cuisine.

This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Palermo with hidden gems that only a local can show you. Get to know Palermo on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, from culture, history, and local lifestyle - this tour has it all! Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Palermo at its best thanks to your local guide’s knowledge and stories. Check out main landmarks like Palazzo Reale, Teatro Massimo, Piazza Pretoria and Fontana Pretoria and uncover city secrets that will show you the city through a different perspective. As they say, the locals know best! Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

This guided walking tour through the center of Palermo will allow you to discover some of the most iconic and fascinating monuments of the city. Our tour will start at the Teatro Massimo, the largest in Italy, a symbol of the Belle Époque and linked to the historic Florio family, protagonists of the rise of Palermo in the 19th century. We will pass in front of the most famous Sicilian Opera dei Pupi theater (Unesco heritage) A short distance away we will visit the Cathedral of Palermo, a UNESCO heritage site, which combines different architectural styles, reflecting the complex and multi-ethnic history of Sicily. Here the first king of Sicily was crowned in 1130 and here is the tomb of the great Frederick II. The route will continue through the Mercato del Capo, an ancient market of Arab origin, known for its lively atmosphere and its fish restaurants. Here we will make a short stop and you will have the opportunity to taste the famous Palermo street food, considered among the best in the world. We will cross the ancient Cassaro, the oldest street in Palermo, full of monuments and historical places of great importance. We will stop at Quattro Canti, the center of historic Palermo, a suggestive square of great historical importance (due to its beauty it is often used as a film set), and at Piazza Bellini, where you can stop to enjoy an excellent coffee (among the best in the world), the sweets of the nuns of Santa Caterina, surrounded by the timeless beauty of the city. The tour will end at Piazza Pretoria located near the markets of Ballarò and Vucciria. Here you can admire the beauty of the "fountain of Shame", the magnificence of the monasteries, churches and palaces that characterize the historic center. This experience will offer you not only an immersion in the history of Palermo, but also an authentic vision of the daily life of the Palermitans, with many personalized tips on what to do during your stay.

Experience a fantastic photo walk in Palermo. You'll be photographed by a photographer during your tour, passing through palaces, gardens, rich and poor areas, an ancient food market, and a local bar. Throughout the tour, you'll be amazed by the grandeur of Palermo Cathedral's architecture and stroll through the residential streets. You'll also enjoy the splendor of the Norman Palace surrounded by splendid palms and see fantastic exotic plants of Palermo Gardens in Orleans (closed on Monday and can be sostituted by Giulia Garden). You'll relax and taste fantastic local sweet or savory in a typical Palermo bar(tea or coffee with a typical sweet or savory included). Your experience will be captured in professional photos that you can share with friends, family, and on social media ( your face portrait, full-body portrait, and a photo chronicle of your journey will be delivered to you via a link within 36 hours). These magnificent photographs taken under the sun of Palermo will forever remind you of your unique experience.