The underground cemetery of the Convent of the Capuchins, erroneously known as “the catacombs” preserves the mortal remains of monks, famous people, rich people of Palermo and ordinary people. There are about eight thousand mummified bodies deposed from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century until the end of the tunnels built under the convent and the adjacent church dedicated to Our Lady of Peace. The micro – climatic conditions of these burial sites and the methods used by the monks to embalm the bodies, have allowed the bodies were preserved almost intact, and very recognizable.

The Catacombs of Palermo, although being a bit ‘outside the city center, is one of the tourist destinations most appreciated by visitors to the Sicilian capital. The charm of the macabre, which is preserved intact appallingly from 1599, never goes out of style.

At about 8 km from Palermo, in the town of Monreale, it stands the beautiful cathedral in the Arab – Norman style dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a destination for tourists and pilgrims from around the world. The grandiose religious building was built in 1174 at the behest of the Norman King William II after the Madonna appeared in a dream and asked him to build a temple in his honor, pointing to where to find the treasure to do it. The Cathedral looks outside with a porch trifora under which there is the valuable bronze portal and two large square towers, one of which turned into a bell tower. The Latin cross interior is divided into three naves separated by columns topped by beautiful carved capitals; the walls are covered by magnificent mosaics on a gold background of Byzantine school (XII and XIII sec.) depicting scenes from the Bible and stories of the Church, to which the central apse is added the figure of Christ Pantocrator.

Also worth visiting is the arcade cloister of the Benedictine convent (XII sec.), Next to the cathedral to admire the rich decoration of the stained-glass columns capitals.

The gastronomy from Palermo is varied, good and tasty. From appetizers to desserts, Palermo offers dishes not to be missed: a unique combination of ingredients, flavors and fragrances, the result of the passage of countless civilizations that have succeeded and which have also left their mark in the kitchen. Saffron, pistachio nuts, dairy products, prickly pear, and aromas for slush, are just some of the items used in the inventive cuisine of Palermo. Do not fill yourselves the belly of cannoli and cassata, sample traditional dishes also the popular “street food”, such as the famous arancini (breaded fried rice balls and stuffed usually with meat sauce, mozzarella and peas); the croquettes or “cazzilli” made from potatoes; Panelle, (chickpea flour fritters); sfincione (large sheet of yeast dough topped with a fresh tomato sauce, onion, anchovies and cheese); and the proverbial bread ca ‘meusa, or the loaf stuffed spleen, lung and trachea into small pieces cooked with lard, the “frank” version, that is simple (so to speak!) and “married”, or with the ricotta.

Crystal blue Caribbean sea and white sand of Mondello make one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.In summer it is densely populated with bathers but Mondello is beautiful throughout the year, when the sunny days offer wonderful walks on the waterfront, great food in the many local clubs and, why not, a refreshing swim out of season that never hurts.

Another witness to the diversity of artistic styles of the city of Palermo is definitely the Chinese Palace, once the residence of King Ferdinand IV Of Bourbon and his wife Maria Carolina in 1799.

The appearance and furnishings from the marked feature oriental express a taste of the time, and really make it unique in its kind. Absolutely to visit both the exterior, with its extensive gardens, both the interior rooms with really very delicious decorations.