Starting our Orientation to Sicilian customs and culture, the group undertook a walking tour of the city with our guide Stefano.
Here you can see the Teatro Massimo first opened in 1897 which is the largest theatre in Italy. Originally designed in 1861 following the unification of Italy it was built to promote the idea of national identity in the nation which had been made up of a collection of kingdoms and republics.
Here you can see the Teatro Massimo first opened in 1897 which is the largest theatre in Italy. Originally designed in 1861 following the unification of Italy it was built to promote the idea of national identity in the nation which had been made up of a collection of kingdoms and republics.
The piazza or square in front of the theatre
Here are some pictures we took of the Cathedral in Palermo simply referred to as Il Cattedrale. Originally built in 1185 it has seen many successive layers of decoration and alteration throughout the centuries as foreign invaders have added their own touches to the architecture.
Inside the Cathedral the elaborate decoration and detail which is constantly being restored and maintained is magnificent.
Palermo also has many parks and gardens in the city centre which offer welcome respite from the hustle and bustle and noisy mopeds that race around the city. Also many Palermidans like to hang out in the shade when the temperature can feel like being in an oven especially to us fair skinned Irishmen and women. And yes I did take this picture on my phone and yes it it is Sicily not the Bahamas.
Be sure to check out part two of our City tour coming next week.