EJ · Unesco World Heritage Tour

Located on a wide bay beneath the shadow of Mount Pellegrino, Palermo is a jewel in the crown of Sicily. In the 9th century, Palermo was famed for the wealth of its court and its universities. Today, it is an international famed city with modern day treasures and priceless ancient monuments of architecture and art. After meeting with your English-speaking guide and boarding your comfortable motor-coach you will start from your hotel a panoramic drive through via della Libertà, the Palermo shopping area, Politeama square, via Ruggero settimo, via Cavour, the Foro Italico, a large green area on the seafront of Palermo and you will continue through Corso Tukory with drop-off at Indipendenza square. Drop-off and visit, inside the Royal Palace, the Palatine Chapel, on the first floor. Dedicated to the Saints Peter and Paul is the finest and most harmonious example of Norman art. Built in 1132/1140 represents a splendid combination of architecture and mosaics decoration. The visit completed, pleasant walk through the Bonanno Gardens up to Cathedral, where the Norman kings were crowned. The official name of the cathedral is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Building began in 1170 on the site of the former mosque and the cathedral was consecrated in 1185. You will also have time to visit cathedral upper part. After scaling the steps (around 100 steps), you can creep along a narrow catwalk that runs the length of the roof and offers some lovely aerial views of the Cathedral itself as well as of the historic centre of Palermo up to the port and the sea. From the cathedral you will continue on foot up to Martorana Church, situated over the Bellini square. It was built in 1143-1185 by the Greek admiral George of Antioch, who wanted to thank the Virgin Mary for her help and protection. However the interiors has been partly changed during the baroque period, which enlarged the church and enriched it with marble stuccoes and enamel decorations. But the most beautiful treasure of Martorana Church is the majestic mosaic decorations, made by Byzantine artists around 1151. The composition starts from the Christ situated on the dome and continues with circles of angels and saints which fill all the church. The visit completed short stop at coffee roasting Stagnitta and walk to re-join your motor-coach and drive back to your hotel.