Palermo (gro) Preparations have begun in the capital of Sicily for 2018, which should ensure that the “Capitale” can present itself as the Capital of Culture of Italy with vigor and as unforgettable an impression as possible. The award was presented by Dario Franceschini, Rome’s Minister of Cultural Assets and Tourism. In the tourism authorities are already gearing up for an increased influx of travelers from all over the world. There will certainly be “a certain additional rush to Sicily,” it is said also in the environment of the Sicilian regional government.
Under the protection of the United Nations.
Minister Franceschini justified the decision to declare Sicily’s capital the next cultural capital of the country among other things, that Palermo has “very many worth seeing cultural assets” to show. A total of 10 cities had applied for the “Italian City of Culture” award, including Pistoia in Tuscany, Alghero in Sardinia, Montebelluna in Veneto and the association of Sicilian municipalities Elimo Ericini, Erice, Paceco, San Vito Lo Capo and Valderice. The decision in favor of Palermo was probably also influenced by the fact that the city with its architectural heritage from the High Middle Ages, together with Monreale and Cefalu, was placed under international protection by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site two years ago.
One of the largest opera houses.
Palermo’s beauties are not limited to the historical distance, however. There is, for example, the Teatro Massimo (pictured at the top). It was built the end of the 19th century according to the plans of architect Ernesto Basile and is one of the largest opera houses in Europe. Incidentally, the renovation to celebrate its 100th birthday in 1997 took almost 20 years.
By bus to the picturesque mountain villages.
The surroundings of Palermo invite you to make excursions. The seaside suburb of Mondello with a magical “Copacabana” is easily reached by city buses Also the mountain villages of the immediate vicinity, to which it goes up to 1000 sea in altitude, are easy to find by public transport and very cheap. And good food is available even in the smallest mountain village!