Teatro Massimo and other Palermo, Italy Things to Do Tips

The Teatro Massimo is one of the largest opera theaters in Europe and is one of Palermo’s most important buildings.
The theater was designed by Gian Battista Basile around 1868 and was built by his son Ernesto, who supervised the works starting from 1891. This change of hands resulted in a classical style exterior (inherited from the original project) and Liberty style inside, following the work of Ernesto Basile. In 1997, the theater was renovated and reopened to the public, after twenty years of neglect and disuse.

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Directions: 300 m from Via cavour

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Piazza Pretoria: Fontana Pretoria

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Written by ruki

on Oct 9, 2005

This wonderful sixteenth-century fountain can be found in the center of the square carrying the same name. It was built by the Florentine sculptor Francesco Camilliani, and originally decorated the garden of a villa in Tuscany. It was then purchased by the city of Palermo, dismantled and rebuilt in Piazza Pretoria.
The fencing around the fountain, designed by Giovan Battista Basile, was built in 1858

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Cathedral: Cathedral

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Written by ruki

on Oct 9, 2005

Built in 1184 by the Norman king William II in the place of a Muslim mosque, the cathedral has undergone several renovations over the centuries, which have resulted in its current Neo-Classical style.
The fourteenth-century door and the Gothic-Catalan style portico are worthy of note. The treasures that are kept inside, including some precious objects and embroidery found in the tombs of the Kings and emperors must be seen.

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Things To Do: Cappella Palatina

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Written by ruki

on Oct 9, 2005

The famous French writer Guy de Maupassant defined it as “the most beautiful in the world, the most surprising religious jewel ever dreamt of by man”. It is easy to share his opinion. The Cappella Palatina (Palatine Chapel) contains a harmonious blend of opposing cultures, Byzantine, Norman, Arabic, and Sicilian, creating a truly amazing architectural and artistic result. Located in the Palazzo dei Normanni, the Cappella Palatina is home to some of the most beautiful mosaics in the world that depict famous scenes from the bible. The wooden ceiling styled into Arab-style stalactites and alveoli dating back to 1143 and the marble floor are just as wonderful.

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Things To Do: Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio

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Written by ruki

on Oct 9, 2005

This church is named thus as it was built on the wishes of the Admiral Giorgio d'Antiochia in 1142, who then gave it to the convent of Eloisa Martorana. It is a Norman-style building, even though it is similar to the Byzantine churches, due to its square structure and the splendid mosaics kept inside, together with frescoes and Baroque marble pieces

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Out of Palermo - Monreale: The Monreale “Duomo”

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Written by ruki

on Apr 11, 2007

inside of cathedral

This charming and great Duomo located on the top of a hill about 10 km from Palermo. From there you can see hole Palermo very clear. This cathedral is very special because its the harmonious mix of architectural styles, Byzantine, Arabic and Romanesque. Monreale Cathedral is one of the greatest works from the Sicilian Middle Ages

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Things To Do: Mondello

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Written by ruki

on Apr 11, 2007

Mondello is the most popular Palermo beach, famous for its elegant Liberty-style villas, its white sand and its crystal-clear water.
The beach is about 10 km from Palermo. Because of the wind Mondello attract lots of visitors especially windsurfing enthusiasts.

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Palazzo dei Normani: Palazzo dei Normanni

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Written by ruki

on Apr 11, 2007

This Norman Castle or "Zisa Castle" was completed by William II during the 12th century, and is considered one of the most magnificent Arab-Norman structures in the world

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Phone: Tel: 091-705-4317
Address: Piazza Indipendenza | Albergheria,

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Things To Do: PORTA NUOVA

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Written by ruki

on May 22, 2007

This monument was built on 16 C to celebrate the arrival in Palermo of Charles V, King of Sicily. It was after his victory in Tunis against the Ottoman Turks. It’s interesting that it has a double monumental façade in Manneristic style with a wide barrel vault. Palermo is famous for mixed Arabic and Norman architectures.

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Things To Do: GARDEN TREES

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Written by ruki

on May 22, 2007