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First impressions only tell part of a story. At first glance, old Palermo, with its ornate churches and facades, looks like a "Baroque" city. In fact, its architecture, like its history, is much more varied than what this first impression seems to say. One magical day spent uncovering its secrets will convince you that this most singular of cities, for centuries a royal capital, is far more than the sum of its parts --and much more than what you see as you're walking down its ancient streets. Your tour begins at the Steri Castle, an imposing fortress not far from the coast, built during the fourteenth century by the Chiaramonte family. For several decades of a medieval interregnum this feudal clan controlled vast regions of Sicily and also the island of Malta, erecting a number of castles in these territories. Following their demise, "the Steri" became a royal residence and then the seat of the Inquisition for western Sicily. It was here, in 1530, that the Holy Roman Emperor (and king of Sicily) Charles V ceded the island of Malta to the Knights of Saint John (Knights of Malta). The Steri's interior is noted for the "Barons' Hall," whose ceiling is decorated with figures and motifs depicting medieval life. To bring our perspective closer to the present, we'll visit Palazzo Mirto nearby. This was the home of the Filangeri family, princes of Mirto. Though parts of this structure were built during the thirteenth century, the "golden age" of this residence began late in the eighteenth century. Now a museum, Palazzo Mirto is maintained in its original state, complete with objects, furnishings and works of art. It was the wish of the family's last heir that her ancestral home should be preserved in this manner. Making our way farther into the city, we'll briefly visit the Martorana Church and nearby San Cataldo, both Norman-Arab structures of the twelfth century. Known for its Byzantine mosaics, the Martorana was built as the place of worship of Palermo's Greek "Orthodox" community. Next door, San Cataldo was a Latin Rite "Catholic" church, though its style is distinctly Arab. It is now the Palermitan church of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. Then on to lunch in a restaurant in old Palermo's historical district. While there's room for choice, the menu is based on the most traditional Sicilian cuisine. Following lunch we'll visit Palazzo Conte Federico nearby. At Palazzo Federico our guide will be Countess Federico, who will take us on a fascinating tour of her family's home. According to a very old tradition, the Federico family is descended from an illegitimate son of Emperor Frederick II --hence the name of both the residence and family. This is part of the "secret" side of Palermo rarely visited by outsiders. Much of what you'll see was constructed during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, but the oldest part of Palazzo Federico is a tower in the medieval city wall erected during Frederick's long thirteenth century reign; his coat of arms is carved into the stone above an arched window (shown in the photo here). While several portions of Palermo's Norman-Swabian city walls remain standing, including several arched portals or "gates," this is the only tower of its kind still standing here in the city. Indeed, it is built upon ancient Punic (Carthaginian) walls that once overlooked the Kemonia River. With its endless salons housing suits of armor and works of art, Palazzo Federico is a showcase of aristocratic Sicilian history combining medieval and Rococo flavors. What really makes Palazzo Federico unique is its living spirit, as it's still an actual residence, a "lived-in" home. The tour of this stately home ends with a wine toast. The Norman Palace, residence of Sicily's first few kings, was constructed on high ground overlooking a prosperous, multicultural eleventh-century city then known (in Arabic) as "Bal'harm." This was the site of a Phoenician citadel, walls of which are still visible below, and then an Arab fortress, al-kasr. The austere "crypt" is actually the earlier Norman chapel, constructed from around 1080. Above it is the Palatine Chapel, a jewel of Byzantine art. Its walls are literally covered with mosaic icons created by Greek monks. The wooden ceiling muquarnas (or "honeycomb vaults") consist of fine details rendered in eclectic style by Arab artists. The architectural style is Romanesque. The tour concludes with a brief visit of the cathedral, erected on the site of a mosque (itself built on the site of a Paleo-Christian church) in the Norman-Arab style and greatly modified over the centuries. Prices and Details
Reservations: To reserve contact us This tour is organized by Chat & Tour (Tradizione Turismo), Via Gen. Sirtori 25, 90145 Palermo, Italy. Terms & Conditions: This day tour is offered by Chat & Tour of Palermo, Italy. Price includes all applicable taxes. Prepayment may be effected by credit card or bank wire transfer at least three (3) weeks prior to the tour date. In the event of cancellation by the purchaser within eight (8) days of departure a refund will be issued less a 25% cancellation fee and any incidental bank or credit card service fees. The tour price reflects a standardized rate available directly from the company organizing the tour. © 2006-2009 Chat & Tour, Palermo, Italy. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
There
are shore excursions and shore excursions, day tours and day tours. This
is something really special because its focus is the living history
of a unique city. Journey with us into a world of kings, queens, knights,
ladies and a countess or two. You'll visit four of Palermo's aristocratic
homes reflecting histories, art and architecture from the Middle Ages to
the Baroque era. This full-day tour/excursion also includes a lunch where
you can sample some Sicilian specialties. 