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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Europe
- Italy
- Palermo
Palermo
Corrupt, decaying, noisy, polluted, over-populated, jumbled and
crime-ridden. All these unpleasant adjectives can be applied to
Sicily's capital, Palermo, but this does not stop most
holidaymakers falling in love with this city on the northwestern
coast of the island. It may be exceedingly ugly in some respects,
but it is also a place of beauty that is slowly being revived and
restored by the determined city fathers to regain a semblance of
its former glory. At various times during its varied and colourful
history Palermo, beautifully sited on a wide bay under the bulk of
Monte Pellegrino, has enjoyed a position as one of the greatest
cities of Europe, particularly under Arab and Norman domination in
the Middle Ages. The legacy of the past is evident today in its
treasure-trove of Byzantine, Baroque and Norman historic buildings
and relics in its many museums. The rescue of the holiday resort of
Palermo has been aided by funds allocated by the European Union and
the wane of the reign of the Mafia. Today the pulse of the city
beats fast and furious even in the oppressive summer heat in its
hectic street markets, cobbled squares and narrow alleyways, where
sirens squeal and traffic roars indiscriminately. Old, historic
quarters like Kalsa are being restored and restaurants, galleries
and cafes are opening to cater for the tourist trade. Several days
are required to appreciate the sights of the seething city before
moving on to explore the rest of the island.
Information & Facts
Language
The official language of Italy is Italian. English is
understood in the larger cities but not in the more remote parts of
the country.
Money
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into
100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain
Euros through any bank, ATM or bureaux de change. ATMs are
widespread. Travellers cheques can be exchanged with ease in the
large cities, not so in the smaller towns. Credit cards are
accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities.
Banks are closed on weekends, but tend to have better rates than
casas de cambios.