Palermo, historic and beautiful...

   Palermo has been ruled by many factions and regimes over its 2,700 years, and it shows.  Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans all had their way with Palermo.  The city comes off as worn but proud.  It is a treasure trove of history, art, architecture, and culture.  You can't come close to seeing it in one day, but we tried... 

   Teatro Massimo is the second most important opera house in Italy behind La Scala in Milan.  It is magnificent...

   Some random sights near Teatro Massimo...

beautiful building with candle lights on railings...

amazing iron light fixture...

church clock tower down a narrow street...

alley with several cafes...

                                                         

Another beautiful building...

Walking south on pedestrian only via Maqueda, we shortly arrive at the corner they call Quatro Canti, with its curved buildings housing niches featuring saints, kings, and fountains.  All amazingly beautiful...

the dome of San Giuseppe at Quatro Canti...

                   

 










Off to one side of Quatro Canti is the amazing Pretoria Fountain, dating to 1554...
 

        
   











   Our walking tour of Palermo took place on March 19, Festa di San Giuseppe, Feast of Saint Joseph, or Saint Joseph Day.  The Chiesa di San Giuseppe at Quatro Canti was having services all day long, so we went in to listen to a little organ music.  It is a very beautiful church...

   After San Giuseppe, we walked toward the Palermo Cathedral (I know, not another church...) and the Porta Nuova, one of the ancient entrances to the city.  The Cathedral is quite grand, and was set up inside for a large feast...

   Before arriving at Porta Nuova, we discovered Villa Bonanno and its beautiful park and gardens.  It had been a long walk already, with miles to go, but we took a well-deserved respite in the park...

    Now we're ready for more adventure...

   Click on or touch any photo to enlarge...