Palermo is one of the most important cities in southern Italy, capital of the province and the region, spread over a wide bay on the Tyrrhenian Sea at the foot of Mount Pellegrino (600m), on the edge of the fertile and verdant Conca d’Oro. Thanks to its excellent position, it has historically been a strategic location for commercial and trade routes, and to this day the port traffic is lively thanks to its industries and flourishing active trade. What makes this debated but beautiful city one of the most sought-after Italian tourist destinations are the important artistic and historical testimonies it preserves, the privileged climatic position, and the magical landscape with lush parks and forests, endless plains, nature reserves, mountains and wonderful beaches. The richness of artistic and historical resources is a testament to its millennial role as a crossroads between East and West, a landing place for different races, languages and cultures that have contributed to strengthening the identity of this people, fiercely proud but cordial and warm.
Founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC with the name Ziz (“flower”), it was conquered by the Romans who gave it the name Panormus (from the Greek “all port”) which, with few modifications (the Arabic “Balharm”), has come down to us.
The happy period of the city began under Arab rule (9th century AD), when it became one of the most important Islamic centres in the West. The city expanded and new urban neighbourhoods were born beyond the boundaries of the historic centre., such as the Cassaro (from the Arabic Al Quasr, “the castle”, also the ancient name of the main street, now Corso Vittorio Emanuele). In particular, near the sea outlet, the Kalsa (from al Halisah, “the chosen one”) was born, a fortified quarter and residence of the emir.
In 1072, the city fell into the hands of the Norman Count Ruggero, but the transition was not violent: merchants, craftsmen, and more generally the Muslim population (but also of other races and religions) were allowed to continue to live and practice their profession. It is precisely this that allowed the spread of the style later called Arab-Norman, a beautiful mixture of both architectural and decorative motifs. The city thrived and became rich thanks to the contribution of these diverse cultures.
Ruggero II, son of the “Count”, a lover of luxury, created gardens in oriental style with luxurious palaces (such as the Zisa and the Cuba) and surrounded himself with literati, mathematicians, astronomers and intellectuals from everywhere.
After a brief period of turmoil and decline, Palermo and Sicily passed into the hands of Federico II of Swabia (1212), under whom the city regained centrality and prestige. The Angevins succeeded but were expelled at the end of the so-called War of the Vespers, followed by the Spanish and, in the 1700s, by the Bourbon of Naples who adorned the city with Baroque palaces.
In the 1800s, trade and relations with Europe increased. The city expanded its borders. The Viale della Libertà was inaugurated, an extension of Via Maqueda, and the surrounding district was enriched with creations in the Liberty style. Unfortunately, this was the last flicker, followed by a period of stagnation that saw the bombings of the last war, the earthquake of 1968, and a slow but corrosive degradation of the medieval neighbourhoods.
Today, however, a new impulse towards the revaluation, restoration, and reuse of the magnificent monuments of the centre is trying to awaken this magnificent sleeping giant of the East.