Contemporary art is usually different. Unlike "modern" art, it's typically more current and can…read moresometimes be political. There wasn't that political stuff, which was nice. Paolo Madonia's art was definitely unique. He paints the pictures and then sets them on fire. I'm not kidding. The randomness of the fire scorches is art. I'm not sure what was going on with the upstairs level. I think the armoires are to be hung from the ceiling? Outside, the rock circle was interesting too. On a Sunday afternoon, I believe that I was the only person in the Museum. That was certainly nice. [Review 12845 overall, 160 of 2020.]

Our fault for going on an organized tour that walked too quickly through the halls and without…read morebeing able to hear much of what the guide was saying through the headsets they handed us on the bus ride over. If you can hook up with a tour of maybe 5-6 others and a guide that's probably ideal, or if you don't mind not knowing much about the who and why you are ogling, then go on your own to take in a fascinatingly freaky experience.

My husband and I had visited ossuaries and catacombs in other countries and thought we would visit…read morethis well known one in Palermo. While he has a tough stomach, he wanted to leave ASAP. Agree with others that this may not be for everyone, especially for younger children. There are a series of rooms, some of which are categorized by the occupation (members of the Capuchin order, who originally were the only people to be interred there) and others by age or gender. It is disarming to see a room designated entirely to children and babies. In addition, it is even more disarming to see some of the "residents" in considerably better condition, which is attributable to different embalming techniques. The site appears to still be run by the Capuchins, as a monk sold us our tickets. No pictures to post because signs ask you not to take any and also in deference to the deceased. 8/8

What nobody tells you anywhere, is that the museum is partially closed for renovation and has been…read moreso for at least a decade. So no Roman or Phoenician or Punic exhibits just Greek. It's touted as the best of its kind in Italy when in fact it's a pretty run of the mill provincial museum. We chose Sicily primarily to visit the Salinas, so we were and remain extremely disappointed.

This is the main museum of its art in Sicily. Needless to say it is interesting…read more Right now big parts of it is under reconstruction, but most of the ground floor has opened. And what we meet is a modern museum of high class. Well presented and with a temperature you can handle when it´s +35C outside. It gives no meaning to go into details, but the history of the whole of Sicily is present. To me, though, the findings and story of Selinunte is of special interest. As well as objects from Centuripe. No doubt, when the museum is fully opened, it will be an attraction to the world.

Visited the Palermo Cathedral while in town and wow -- it's absolutely beautiful. The architecture…read moreand deep history are truly stunning, and its UNESCO status feels well-deserved. We wandered for a while and found plenty of great photo spots. Entry is paid, but worth it. Definitely a must-see when in Palermo. Saluti!

Beautiful! The interior, and the altars were amazing. There are crypts of two kings from the tenth…read moreand eleventh century there. The silver altar needs to be seen to be believed. This church is definitely worth the visit!

Impressive from the outside and impressive from the inside. €6 for entry and worth it. This…read morebeautiful castle is pretty much wide open and self-tourable. It is set up with a clear walk through path so that you can see it inside and out, though you will be climbing some narrow stairs and walking some narrow hallways to visit the upper levels. Well worth it and accessible from the historic district but we were here by car and lucked out for parking. The castle is part of the UNESCO site. Construction began in the 12th century. Definitely inspired by Moorish architecture, there are a number of Islamic art pieces and tools on display. Well worth an hour of your time to view and tour. [Review 12817 overall, 131 of 2020.]

In every guide book La Zisa is lifted as one of the interesting spots in Palermo. I can very well…read moreunderstand its historical background - what it once was. Today its most of all a skeleton, to be frank. They call it an islamic museum, which can not be considered to be true. The building itself is quit impressing from the outside. In modern days they have built a water park in front of it. There is water in it, but the fountains are not functioning. Esthetically its a mess - ugly one could say. Pay a visit only if you have a special interest in old building constructions.

The treasures of Sicilia are almost uncountable. Here we have another, one of a kind. The Palazzina…read moreCinese, situated in the western part of Palermo, built in the beginning of the 19th century. Absolutely well preserved and in best order. Exotic and colorful from a time in Europe when it was highest fashion to have the money to build a palace in Chinese style, decorated with paintings, telling stories of life in far away dreamland. Tasteful and highly stimulating to your senses. Included is a fantastic garden from which the palace is presented with its surroundings - high mountains, palm trees and with wild parrots flying in the air. Take your time while walking around inside and outside. The impressions you get here will last. That I promise you, dear Yelp-friend.

In August, Delta Vacations ran a two-for-one sale where I was able to use some of my stash of Delta…read moreSkyMiles for two cents per SkyMile instead of one. That made 58,000 SkyMiles worth $1,160 towards airfare from New York to Palermo plus four nights hotel stay. I knew I wanted to go to Europe and I knew I wanted a warmer climate, so I picked one of the most southern spots for my January trip. Palermo's international airport is served by Alitalia through Rome and Milan and as a partner of Delta, I was able to earn back some of those Delta miles on my Alitalia flights. The airport is not too far from downtown Palermo with train, bus and taxi service. I would recommend the bus for only €6. Palermo does have a metro system but it was never where I needed to be, so most of my time was walking. It's an easy walking city as the historic district is quite flat. Of course, many of the streets are cobblestoned and many of the pavements (sidewalks) are not suitable for wheelchairs or those who might have mobility concerns. I'd not really recommend Palermo for you if you do. Other than a day trip to Erice and Trapani, I spent my time in the historic district where everyone spoke enough English to get by. The restaurants have English and Italian menus so I had no trouble ordering food, beer or wine. And the food was *fabulous*. Only downsides are that some of the places I tried to visit were not open despite their posted hours. I was only able to visit one art museum and did not get to others. The Teatro Masssimo and the Cathedral are impressive and should be toured. There are some homeless and some beggars but not many. I certainly did not see any crime and there was a good presence of various branches of marked law enforcement on patrol, including city police and carabinieri. They could do better with more vehicle barricades in the pedestrian areas. Americans will do well in Palermo. I had a grand time and can say that I'm a fan of the city! [Review 12849 overall, 164 of 2020.]

Completely closed and locked on this Sunday afternoon, the "Tempio Munito Fortezza Mistica" was…read moreinaugurated in 1939. "The National Mutilated and War Invalids" building. The architecture is impressive as one would expect as it was built during some of Italy's most Fascist government years. Today it houses the criminal section of the Justice of the Peace. And more than that, I don't know even though I really do want to know more. It is apparently part of the regional art museum organization. If nothing else, the building is amazing to look at and Insta-worthy. Please, someone tell me more! [Review 12843 overall, 158 of 2020.]