Monreale
Introduction
Nestled in the southern reaches of Sicily, you will find Monreale situated on the slopes of Mount Caputo. This elevated position offers you a vantage point over the valley of Palermo as you explore this historic town and comune.
Before you go
Prepare for your visit by understanding that Palermo serves as the capital of Sicily and its own province, with an economy rooted in shipbuilding, mechanical industries, and local government. You can explore the city's rich history, from its Phoenician origins to its golden age under Arab rule, where it was celebrated for its lavish gardens and palaces. The unique Arab-Norman architectural style reflects a blend of Arabesque decorations, Romanesque architecture, and Byzantine mosaics created after Norman conquest.
To ensure your safety, exercise caution when navigating the city at night, particularly during the winter months when streets may be less populated. While the city center remains active with many bars and pubs in the summer, you should remain alert for pickpockets on buses and streets. If you choose to drive, be aware that traffic rules are often not followed; utilizing a secure car park is recommended to protect your vehicle from theft.
Getting there
You can arrive in the city by plane at Palermo Airport, which receives regular flights from various Italian centers and major European cities. From the airport, you have several options for reaching the city center: shuttle buses run frequently to the train station, while Trenitalia offers a regular rail service from the station located in the terminal basement. Both the bus and the train provide travel times of just under an hour to reach Palermo Centrale.
Alternatively, you can reach the port of Palermo by ferry. Regular services connect the port with several Italian locations, including Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples, and Cagliari. International routes are also available from Valletta and Tunis.
Getting around
You can easily explore most of the interesting sites located around the center on foot. For a different way to navigate the streets, numerous bicycles and e-scooters are available for hire throughout the city via providers such as Lime and RideMovi.
The bus system offers several ways to reach key destinations:
- Use the "Free Centro Storico" bus to travel through all the main touristic areas.
- Take bus 109 from the station to reach Piazzale Indipendenza.
- Ride bus 806 if you wish to go to Mondello.
- Utilize the Moovit mobile app to browse urban lines and plan your trips across the city.
Where to stay
You can choose from a variety of accommodations that reflect the distinct character of different areas. In the historical center, you can stay in restored buildings featuring original furnishings or elegant apartments near the Teatro Massimo and the Piazza San Francesco. For a more coastal experience, options are available in Mondello where you can stay in a villa just steps from the sea or at a hotel set within a lush Mediterranean park on a golden sandy beach. If you prefer a retreat in nature, you can find accommodations tucked away in the hills of the Capo Gallo reserve with views over the coast.
Depending on your preference for atmosphere and location, you might choose from these varied settings:
- Historic center options featuring art-inspired designs or traditional 17th-century style decorations.
- Coastal properties in Sferracavallo offering self-catering apartments near the sea with outdoor spaces for relaxing.
- Upscale hotels located in restored Baroque palaces or grand historic buildings known for their exquisite interior design and high-quality service.
- Accommodations situated along the coast providing views of the gulf and nearby parks.
Food & drink
Savor the authentic flavors of Palermo by visiting sandwich stands in the old city center to try local specialties like panelle or panino con la milza. For those seeking traditional Sicilian cuisine, you can enjoy mixed fried food and mussels at an informal trattoria with outdoor seating, or experience a selection of street food delicacies. If you prefer a more contemporary atmosphere, explore a bistro featuring a wide choice of vegetarian and vegan dishes set within a unique old bookstore, or find a nearby spot for juicy pizza made with quality ingredients.
Explore the diverse culinary landscape beyond traditional pasta and bruschetta:
- Indulge in Italian-style BBQ chicken at a local deli.
- Savor an apericena featuring fresh food and limoncello Spritz in a setting filled with nostalgic music.
- Enjoy Indian or Bangladeshi dishes, including veggie curry, daal, samosas, and pakoras.
- Relax at a wine bar featuring a selection of wines and cheeseboards, or visit a small bar for beers and cocktails with seating on the street.
- Visit local pastry shops to sample traditional sweets.
What to see and do
Explore a rich tapestry of history and culture by visiting the various monuments that comprise the Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale world heritage site. You can admire the honey-coloured, Catalan-influenced Palermo Cathedral or visit the Palatine Chapel inside the Palazzo dei Normanni to see its magnificent mosaics and Arabian-style decorations. Other notable sites include the red-domed Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Zisa Palace, and the nearby village of Monreale, which features a historic Norman-Byzantine cathedral with a cloister featuring hundreds of uniquely decorated columns.
Wander through the old centre to find the symbolic crossroads of Quattro Canti and the nearby La Martorana church. You can experience the contrast between the modest facade of the Church of the Gesù, tucked away in a back street, and the grand Piazza Pretoria, home to the Fontana Pretoria with its numerous statues. For a different atmosphere, visit the Catacombe dei Cappuccini to see mummified remains or explore the botanical gardens and the Museo delle Maioliche. If you prefer a lively evening, head to Piazza Garraffello near Vucciria for open-air music and dancing when the weather is pleasant.
Three days in Monreale
Day one, you can begin your journey in Monreale. You will find the area nestled within Sicily and explore its unique blend of Norman, Arabesque, Romanesque, and Byzantine influences.
Day two, travel to Palermo. While exploring this city, you can experience the local culture and sights that define the region's history.
Day three, prepare for your departure from Palermo Airport or take a train from Palermo Centrale if you choose to continue your travels through Italy or beyond.