Experience Palermo like never before on a street food tour through the vibrant heart of Sicily’s baroque capital.

This immersive journey will take you into the city’s 18th-century historic center, weaving through stunning churches, ancient monasteries, and grand noble palaces. As we stroll through the symbolic landmarks of baroque Palermo, you’ll visit the impressive Church of San Giuseppe dei Teatini and the opulent Casa Professa dei Gesuiti, adorned with colorful marbles.

The market

A highlight of the tour is a visit to the lively Ballarò market, where you’ll wander through bustling shops and vibrant stalls brimming with fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, and a dazzling array of foods that delight the senses and satisfy culinary curiosity.

Palermo has long been renowned for its bustling markets, a tradition that dates back to the Arab period when Rabat, a village outside the original Punic city walls, was the center of trade. These markets, characterized by the vivid colors of fruits and vegetables, the aromatic scents of spices and fish, and the iconic abbanniata (chants) of the traders, remain an essential part of Palermo’s cultural heritage. They are a timeless reflection of the city’s vibrant community life, serving as a point of reference for both locals and the many foreigners who have settled in Palermo over the years.

Tour Details

• Starting Point: 15 min in advance, Quattro Canti (four corners), in front of the Church of San Giuseppe dei Teatini.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours (1.5 km walking route), including visits to the Church of Teatini and Casa Professa. Entry fees to monuments are not included.

These markets are not just a hub of activity—they are an extension of the baroque architecture surrounding them. The food in Palermo is as richly varied and vibrant as the city itself, embodying the baroque spirit in every bite.

The food experience

During this captivating walking tour, you’ll have the chance to indulge in Palermo’s famous street food. Taste local delicacies such as panelle (chickpea fritters), crocchè (potato croquettes), olives, cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, and sfincione (Sicilian-style pizza). Depending on the season, other specialties may also be available, all accompanied by refreshments that will delight your palate.

Join us for this unique tour that blends baroque art, historical markets, and the flavors of Sicily’s vibrant street food culture. Palermo awaits you with open arms—and an open kitchen!

• If the minimum number of guests is not reached the tour will be cancelled and refunded 
• Do you want a private tour for 1-4 people? Let’s contact us!

Tour Highlights

• Explore the magnificent baroque architecture of Palermo.
• Visit the Church of San Giuseppe dei Teatini and Casa Professa dei Gesuiti.
• Wander through the bustling Ballarò market, a living testament to Palermo’s rich history.
• Savor Palermo’s renowned street food, with tastings that reflect the city’s culinary traditions.
• Small group
• Experience of a local guide certified

Join us on an extraordinary tour of Palermo’s historic center, where you’ll experience the city-tour from a breathtaking perspective—high above the bustling streets!

Our journey follows the ancient Cassaro, Palermo’s oldest street, from the magnificent Norman Palace to the awe-inspiring Cathedral. You’ll ascend to the Cathedral’s rooftops, where panoramic views of the upper historic center await. Continue onward to the majestic Church of SS. Salvatore, where the “loggia” offers stunning vistas of Palermo’s baroque cityscape, including colorful church domes, the shimmering sea, and the renowned Conca d’Oro (Golden Shell).

As you make your way through the iconic Quattro Canti (Four Corners), you’ll arrive at the Church of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria. From its terraces, encircling the dome, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Piazza della Vergogna, with its Renaissance fountain, and the nearby Norman churches of Martorana.

Tour Details

• Starting Point: 15 min. in advance, next to the monumental gate of “Porta Nuova”
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours (1.5 km walking route)
• Entry Fees: Cathedral rooftops (€7.00), SS. Salvatore (€6.00), Santa Caterina (€10.00). Total cost: €23.00 (admission fees not included).

What to Expect

In the late 17th century, Palermo witnessed the rise of numerous monasteries in the city center, driven by an increase in religious vocations. By the 18th century, over forty monasteries were established, often away from the main streets. To remain unseen while observing the city, nuns had lookout points built on the rooftops of these monasteries.

On this tour, you’ll uncover these hidden viewpoints and immerse yourself in the rich history of Palermo from a unique vantage point—an unforgettable way to experience the capital of Sicily!

• If the minimum number of guests is not reached the tour will be cancelled and refunded 
• Do you want a private tour for 1-4 people? Let’s contact us!

Tour Highlights

• Walk along the ancient Cassaro, Palermo’s oldest street.
• Visit the rooftops of the Cathedral for panoramic city views.
• Explore the baroque beauty of the Church of SS. Salvatore.
• Discover the breathtaking terraces of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, overlooking Piazza della Vergogna and the Martorana Church.
• Small group
• Certified local guide

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore Palermo’s historic center from above, where every view tells a story of Sicily’s rich cultural heritage.

Un appassionante itinerario alla scoperta dei monumenti arabo normanni di Palermo riconosciuti dall’UNESCO patrimonio dell’umanità nel 2015. Dagli ori della Cappella Palatina e della Sala di Ruggero, all’interno del Palazzo Reale, alla maestosa Cattedrale, dalla chiesa della Martorana con i suoi splendidi mosaici alla chiesa di San Cataldo con le cupole islamiche.

• Luogo: appuntamento presso la biglietteria del Palazzo dei Normanni.
• Durata: 3 ore 1/2 circa, percorso a piedi di 1,5 km. Ingressi esclusi.
• Numero min. di partecipanti: 5 adulti

COSA ASPETTARSI

Fondata dai cartaginesi oltre duemila anni fa, Palermo vanta una stratificazione culturale frutto delle numerose civiltà che la scelsero come punto strategico per controllare il Mediterraneo. Alla lunga dominazione araba, fondata su una relativamente pacifica convivenza con i bizantini, farà riscontro nell’XI secolo la dominazione normanna. I condottieri francesi rimasero affascinati dalle due culture che venivano a soggiogare e trassero ispirazione da entrambe per modulare un nuovo stile di vita, conciliando nord Europa, oriente e nord Africa. Nacquero chiese, monasteri e palazzi dalle forme arabeggianti sulle cui pareti si posero in opera mosaici bizantini con una impressionante profusione di ori e pietre preziose. Un regno florido ed equilibrato che non ebbe eguali nell’Europa medievale e nella Sicilia dei secoli a venire.

Ti guideremo attraverso i monumenti arabo normanni di Palermo, tra gli splendidi mosaici in oro della Cappella Palatina, scrigno senza eguali nella storia del medioevo italiano, e quelli della Chiesa della Martorana, dalla inebriante atmosfera ortodossa.

DETTAGLIO INGRESSI MONUMENTALI

Palazzo dei Normanni | 19,00 € (Venerdì, Sabato, Domenica, Lunedì e festivi) 15,50€ (Martedì, Mercoledì e Giovedì), riduzioni per minori, ragazzi dai 18 ai 25 anni, insegnanti e over 65
Cattedrale | Gratuita escluse tombe reali, cripta e tetti
Martorana | 2,oo €

La visita di alcune sale del Palazzo dei Normanni è soggetta al calendario.
La Martorana chiude alle ore 13:00, In alternativa, per le visite pomeridiane si inserirà la Chiesa di San Cataldo o Chiesa e Monastero di San Giovanni degli Eremiti.

• Tour soggetto a numero minimo, in caso di annullamento verrà rimborsata la quota di partecipazione
• Vuoi comunque avere la garanzia di svolgere il tour? Contattaci! Ti faremo un prezzo su misura.

Tour highlights

• Itinerario UNESCO
• Palermo arabo normanna
• Cappella Palatina
• Chiesa della Martorana
• Cattedrale di Palermo

• Location | Meeting point 15 minutes prior in front of Massimo Opera House 
• Time |  Approximately 3 hours – 2 km
• Min. Guests to start | 10 Adults
• Languages | English – French – Spanish – Italian

WHAT TO EXPECT

Embark on a captivating walking tour through the historic center of Palermo, where art, culture, and everyday life beautifully intertwine. Begin your journey at the iconic Teatro Massimo, the largest opera houses of Italy, and dive into the vibrant heart of this ancient city.

Our adventure will continue through the lively Capo Market, a legacy of a distant Islamic past, where the aroma of fresh seasonal products will let us feel the beating heart of the ancient city. We will then head to the magnificent Palermo Cathedral, an extraordinary example of the rich UNESCO heritage of Sicily’s capital. We will also discover the city’s appearance during the long Spanish domination with the exuberant baroque style of the polychrome marbles in the Saint Catherine of Alexandria Church. A few steps away, Piazza Bellini will offer us a glimpse of the Arab-Norman past, with the churches of San Cataldo and the Martorana.

Nearby, we will then reach Piazza Pretoria with its fascinating Fountain of Shame, a Renaissance masterpiece full of secrets to be discovered. At the baroque square of Quattro Canti (four corners), the crossroads of Palermo’s historic quarters, we will end our journey in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Founded in the 8th century BC, Palermo boasts over two millennia of history and a cultural layering resulting from the succession of numerous civilizations that have made their home here. These civilizations have left an indelible mark on the character of the people of Palermo and unique monuments declared a UNESCO site in 2015.

We look forward to welcoming you for a complete immersion in the historic center, discovering the colors, scents, and sounds that make Palermo unique.

You’ll feel inspired and ready to continue exploring Palermo on your own.

• If the minimum number of guests is not reached the tour will be cancelled and refunded 
• Do you want a private tour for 1-4 people? Let’s contact us!

Tour highlights

• Tradition and markets
• UNESCO Sites (exteriors)
• Teatro Massimo (outside)
• Cathedral (inside)
• Churc Saint Catherine of Alexandria (inside)
• Churches of Martorana (inside) and San Cataldo (outside)
• Baroque
• Arab-Norman