the surroundings of palermo

Terrasini is a small village located on the coast West of Palermo, within a gulf surrounded by low mountains. The town is a popular destination for who wants to spend time by the sea and the town is characterized by low white houses and straight streets that go from the inner part to the sea coast. Apart from the beautiful coastline, in Terrasini it is possible to visit the Duomo, built in the typical late baroque Style.

Bagheria is a big town (more than 50.000 inhabitants) east of Palermo. The town is famous to have been the Summer place of the Palermo aristocracy, that built a high amount of villas in this area (and for this also called the town of villas). The villas all have a strong baroque style, but are also linked together by certain elements belonging to the alchemy arts, popular in the XVIII century. Among the many villas, one is particularly famous, Villa Palagonia, also called the Villa of Monsters, due to the many sculptures of deformed creatures that can be found all around the villa. Another famous villa is the Palazzo Butera-Branciforti, built by the prince Branciforti, who ruled this area.

Castelbuono is a small village on the mountain Madonia, east of Palermo. The town has a very ancient history, being already known during the Arabic time. It is during the Spanish domination that an actual town has been created, while the territory was under the control of the family Ventimiglia, who also built the castle that can still be visited.  Today the town is famous for its high quality products, coming from the forests of the mountains around the town, like honey, mushrooms and meat.

The Castelbuono Castle, known as Castello dei Ventimiglia, is located on the top of the mountain, right above the city, and was built in 1317 by the count Francesco I of Ventimiglia. Ventimiglia were one of the most powerful noble families in Sicily. During the centuries has been renovated many times, resulting in a mix of many architectural style. Several earthquakes have also destroyed part of the castle.

One of the highlights of the castle is the Cappella Palatina, the family chapel decorated by the brothers Giuseppe and Giacomo Serpotta in the end of 17th century. The chapel is dedicated to Saint Anna (mother of the Holy Mary).

Opening time:
1 october - 31 march, every day 9.30-17.00
1 april - 30 september. every day 9.30 - 13.00 and 15.00-18.30
Entry ticket 5€

Chiesa di Maria Santissima Assunta (also called Matrice Vecchia)

The old main church of the town, dedicated to the Holy Mary (Maria Santissima Assunta), was build in the 14th century and, after later renovations, mixes the styles Romanic-Gothic and Catalan-Gothic.

Inside to note are the chapel of Santissimo Sacramento, made of marble, the main altar with its paintings dedicated to the Holy Mary and the frescoes found painted on the columns depicting different saints. But the real jewel is in the basement, the Cripta, where we can find a second church with the walls completely painted with frescoes depicting the life of Jesus.

Cefalù is a small town between Palermo and Messina famous for its Norman-Arabic Duomo, the beautiful beaches and the castle on the top of the mountain that hangs on the city. Cefalù was already known during the Greek period and it followed the faith of the island throughout its history. Due to the important role played during the Norman time, the city acquired a certain importance in the eyes of the medieval kings. While today the city is developed on the sea-side, the ancient town is located on top of the mountain , where the ruins of a castle (and the magnificent view on the sea) and other archeological sights can be visited.