Upon arrival at Palermo, the great Goethe was moved to exclaim, "It's easy to grasp in its overall plan, but difficult to get to know in details." The observation holds true even now. The labyrinthine streets reek of Moorish mystery. The city's strange admixture of Arabo-Norman monuments holds no peer. And the entire city is a living museum and lavish baroque outpourings. The markets still evoke the Moorish roots. Poverty stinks at corners and pickpockets make merry. Yet Palermo pulsates with a mystical charm, an ancient spirit that reinvents itself to beguile the visitor.
The attractions in your travel to Palermo are many
SAN GIOVANNI DEGLI EREMITI
Come face to face with the medieval Arab-Western confrontation that yielded such magnificent results. The typical Islamic domes are unmistakably the work of the Moorish hands that crafted it. But the tomb -meant to honor St John of Hermits- is infused with the Renaissance spirit that infuses a singularly western vitality. This haven of tranquility begins in the gardens with its troves of pomegranate and rose. The paths from here take you back in time -to the Benedictine monastery built in 581AD for Pope Gregory the Great.
PALAZZO DEI NORMANNI:
The Arabic origin of this cavernous palazzo hits you as soon as you enter. Domes and arches form an integral part. Yet, it hides the tale of Arab dominance that destroyed and built over Roman creations. This palace is no different -it began as a Roman fort. The rise of Norman power made it grow in magnificence and it became the royal residence of Roger II -the Norman king. The Capella Palatine lodged here is a scintillating piece of Arabo -Norman artistic fusion. It could prove to be a Moorish twist in your destination Italy.
Walk across to jasmine and oleander laden air at the Villa Bonani- the public park that links the rear entrance to the Duomo. Even as you enjoy the wafting olfactory delight, you can partake the monuments and gardens erected in honor of Sicilian patriots.
PALAZZO ARCIVESCOVILE
Though only appreciated from the inside, it's a significant destination due to its added attractions. Originally housing the Museo Diocesano, this 15th Century Palazzo, it used to exhibit the arts and artifacts of Cathedrals and churches about to be demolished.
Just a slight distance away is the ORATORIO DEI SS PIETRO PAOLO - that boasts of stucco by Sepolla and Castelli. The ceiling fresco by Tancredi is also spectacular. Nearby, too is the 16th century, LOGGIA DELL' IN CORONAZIONE- with ancient columns -where the lay public could catch a glimpse of the venerated king.
It adds a regal note to destination Italy
BIBLIOTECA CENTRALE DELLA REGIONE SICILIANA
Bibliophiles! If there's a heaven in Palermo, this is it! Transformed from a Jesuit college, this building today houses the city's main Public library. Stacked inside are more than half a million volumes and many ancient manuscripts, including several from the 15th and 16th centuries.The double-arcaded courtyard is an architectural centerpiece and the library leads to Chiesa SS. Salvatore.Though a minor church, its oval interior is favored for taking marital vows.
Chiesa San Giuseppe dei Teatini
In contrast, this is expansive in its decoration and is imbued by a dancing baroque spirit. The simple, austere neoclassical façade reveals myriad attractions inside.
The majolica-tiled cupola of the church is stunning and leads to a two-aisle nave. Two towering columns that hold up a frescoed ceiling border this nave. The walls, in turn are wrapped in a marble polychrome decoration. The main altar it self is studded with semi-precious gems while the chapels are filled with lavish frescos with stucco decoration.