🇮🇹 First Stop in Sicily - Palermo｜2024 Travel Guide ✨

Palermo, the capital of Sicily in northwestern Italy, is where Norman, Byzantine, and Islamic architecture collide. Its sun-bleached streets blend decay and elegance—a city of peeling grandeur and cinematic history (hello, The Godfather!). 📍 Must-Visit Spots 1️⃣ Palermo Cathedral (Cattedrale di Palermo) 🎟️ €12 (full ticket) / €7 (rooftop only) A geometric marvel with pyramid crenellations—pure Sicilian genius! 2️⃣ Teatro Massimo 🎭 Italy’s largest opera house & The Godfather III location (where Michael Corleone’s heart broke 💔). 3️⃣ Norman Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni) 🏰 🎟️ €19 | Tip: Go early—lines get long! 4️⃣ Via Maqueda 🚶‍♂️ Lined with cafés & bars—perfect for a slow Sicilian afternoon. 5️⃣ Quattro Canti ⛲ Baroque "four corners" dividing the old town. 6️⃣ Fontana Pretoria 🗿 The scandalous "Fountain of Shame" (next to Quattro Canti). 7️⃣ Orto Botanico (Botanical Garden) 🌿 8️⃣ Markets: Ballarò or La Vucciria 🍊 Overflowing with seafood, street food & souvenirs! 🛎️ Practical Tips • Luggage Storage: Use Bounce app (pay online). • Transport: 🚍 Single ticket: €1.40 (90min) | Day pass: €3.50 Most sights are walkable! • How I Got Here: Ferry from Naples → Bus to central Palermo. #Italy #Sicily #Palermo #TheGodfather #EuropeTravel #TravelDiaries #Wanderlust 🌍📸