La Sicily it is a magical land, where climatic heat mixes and joins the warmth of the people, where food is not just food, but a lifestyle, where the way of life is different, the landscapes are unique and the culture is there, beautiful and immense, but not at all valued (alas!).
There are many realities and cities, small and large, which represent all these sensations well. Including, of course, Palermo.
A few lines are not enough to tell it and to say what is worth visiting.
Making a considerable effort of synthesis, I summarize the 3 things that - in my personal opinion - absolutely must not be missed during a visit to Palermo.
First, the Massimo Opera House, unmissable! The largest opera house in Italy, one of the largest in Europe (after the Paris Opera and the Vienna Wiener), presents itself with a significant phrase (placed on the architrave of the portico of the Theater): "The art renews peoples and reveals their life. There is no delight in scenes where you do not aim to prepare the future ”. It is possible to visit the theater with guided tours, lasting 25 minutes. The guys who act as guides are very good, with particular stories they drag tourists into the world of "Massimo" (in various languages ​​besides Italian). Tickets range from € 8,00 for the full ticket to free for children under 6 years old. It can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9.30 to 17.00. On Monday, closing day, it is possible to visit the “behind the scenes”, for 30 minutes, by booking, at set times (9.30 - 10.30 - 11.30 - 12.30 - 13.30). Here, on the website of the Massimo Opera House, find all the useful info.
Being in Palermo and leaving without having eaten a cannoli is unthinkable. My personal advice is Spinnato, in Piazza Castelnuovo, a stone's throw from Politeama Square. The cannolo, filled with fresh sheep's milk ricotta and perhaps with the inside covered with dark chocolate, will be an experience that you will hardly forget. And if you want to share with your friends and family at home, with the transport box you can take them everywhere.
To close, taking advantage of the beautiful spring and summer climate (but how many bad weather days are there in Sicily?), Do not miss a walk at the Foro Italico. An immense green area in the neighborhood Kalsa (since you are at it, take a leap!), restored and restored between the late 90s and early 2000s, overlooking the Palermo sea. Breathe hard, between the palm trees and the sea you will not feel like you are in the city, and maybe bring a ball with you. Or ask a few small groups to let you play with them to complete the teams. And enjoy the day!
I add, impossible not to mention them, i Markets of Palermo. Ballarò, Vucciria, Head. Choose one, two or all three, visit them and lose yourself among the colors, sounds and smells. They will remain with you forever.
