Palermo, Sicily

The weather promised to be perfect—sunny skies and no rain in sight—as we set out for our third visit to Palermo. By 9:00 AM we were off the ship and making our way toward one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Teatro Massimo.

This grand opera house, the largest in Italy and the third largest in Europe, rises proudly at the edge of Palermo’s historic center. I had booked us on the 10:00 AM tour, giving us time to admire the massive steps and impressive façade before stepping inside. Built shortly after the unification of Italy, the theatre is a masterpiece of architecture and culture—perhaps best known to movie lovers for its dramatic appearance in The Godfather Part III.

From there, we wandered a short distance to the bustling Capo Street Market. Dating all the way back to 1310, and only renovated once since 1782, the market feels like a living slice of Palermo’s past. The narrow lanes overflow with colorful produce, fragrant spices, sizzling street food, and the rhythmic calls of vendors. It’s chaotic, vibrant, and absolutely unforgettable.

Leaving the market, our path took us through a mix of shabby alleys and crumbling old buildings—only to emerge unexpectedly into lush gardens adorned with a magnificent statue of Saint Rosalia, Palermo’s beloved patron saint. Just beyond stood the Cathedral of Maria SS. Assunta, a breathtaking sight with its blend of architectural styles and imposing exterior. Sadly, the rooftop and crypt were closed, so we admired it from the outside.

Our next stops were the beautiful Fountain of Shame and Quattro Canti, two of Palermo’s most photographed spots. By this point hunger was catching up with us, and the search for lunch began.

I found a well-rated restaurant, but it required climbing stairs—not an option today. The second choice seemed promising, but we discovered the street was closed just as we were about to arrive. So we continued wandering until we came across a comfortable outdoor spot under a tent. We sat down just in time—our food had barely arrived when an unexpected rain shower rolled in. So much for the forecast! We waited it out, enjoying the sound of the rain hitting the canvas overhead, and once it eased, we slowly made our way back to the cruise terminal.

The evening wrapped up perfectly with dinner among friends and a concert on board—an easy, happy ending to a full day of exploring this endlessly fascinating city.Read more