Italy 2008: 05 Palermo, Sicily - Mafia City Secret Rendezvous..

"The man with insight enough to admit his limitations comes nearest to perfection..."

(06 - 08 March 2008)

(Palermo - the capital of Sicily Island)

Journey to Palermo

From Rome, we boarded the overnight sleeper train bound for Palermo - an experience in itself. Four adults squeezed into a small cabin, exchanging quiet moment as we tried to get comfortable. The rhythmic clatter of the train on the tracks became our lullaby, and though sleep came only in brief moments, the thought of waking up in Sicily kept our spirits high.

 In the early hours of the morning, we arrived in Palermo, the island’s vibrant capital. The air was cool and fresh, carrying with it the faint scent of the sea. Finding our hotel proved a little challenging - language barriers made asking for directions difficult, and taxis were scarce at that hour. Armed with a paper map from the train station and a good dose of determination, we eventually found our way, walking quite a distance through the still-sleepy streets of the city.

(Arriving in Palermo by train)

It was far too early to check in, so we decided to make the most of our morning with a self-guided walking tour. Palermo immediately revealed its character - a fascinating blend of cultures and centuries layered upon each other. We wandered through narrow, cobblestone alleys, almost losing our way among the maze-like streets of the old town.

(Ready to explore Palermo on foot)

One of our first stops was Quattro Canti, the elegant Baroque crossroads at the heart of the historic centre. Each corner of this symmetrical square was adorned with statues and fountains representing the four seasons, the Spanish kings of Sicily, and the patron saints of Palermo’s quarters. From there, we made our way to the majestic Palermo Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece showcasing a stunning fusion of Arab, Norman, and Gothic influences - a reflection of the city’s diverse past.

(Quattro Canti crossroads at the old city)

(Palermo Cathedral Arab-Norman architecture)

(Marble statues at the cathedral)

By midday, we found a small café near the cathedral where we rested our tired feet and enjoyed Sicilian pastries with strong coffee, savoring both the flavors and the atmosphere of this ancient city. 

(Colonna dell'Immacolata in Plaza San Domenico)

(Fontana Pretoria at the City Hall of Palermo)

(The Carretto Siciliano and 3-wheel vehicle - back lane of Palermo) 

(War paintings on the wall)

(Narrow cobble-stoned alley)

After visiting a few more attractions, we traced back our path and walked slowly back to our hotel. There’s nothing quite like sinking into a warm, relaxing bath after a long day - a quiet moment to unwind, de-stress, and rejuvenate our tired muscles.

City Sights and Sounds

The following day, we opted for a hop-on hop-off city tour, the perfect way to explore Palermo at a relaxed pace. The open-top bus took us past grand boulevards, bustling markets, and beautiful piazzas. We passed the Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s largest opera houses, and admired the ornate façades of centuries-old palaces lining the streets.

(Palermo city sight seeing)

(Exploring more of Palermo by bus)

Each stop offered something different - glimpses of daily life, local crafts, and that unmistakable Sicilian energy that blends chaos and charm in equal measure. By evening, we had a better sense of Palermo’s soul - proud, lively, and full of contrasts.

(Cruising along the streets of Palermo)

(Teatro Politeama Garibaldi)

(Forta Felice - a historic city gate in Palermo)

(Flower stalls at the market)

(Saint Dominic Church)

(One of the many famous statues)

Departure to Tunis

On our final morning, we packed our bags and made the walk to the Grimaldi ferry terminal, ready for the next leg of our journey - across the Mediterranean to Tunis. Watching the ferry pull away from the port, we took one last look at Palermo’s skyline - its domes, towers, and faded grandeur slowly disappearing into the horizon. It was a fitting farewell to Sicily, a land where every stone seemed to tell a story.

(A leisure walk to the ferry port)

(Taking the 12-hour ferry ride to Tunisia)

👈2008: Vatican City 

       2008: Tunis, Tunisia👉