After graduating from Tourism school in his home city of Paris, Concierge Francesco Marino worked and travelled between London, Spain, and the French capital, absorbing everything he could from each enchanting destination, before settling in Sicily.
“I love living in Sicily because everywhere you turn, you are surrounded by art, history, and culture - there is such a rich variety. Every day feels like a vacation here.”
Francesco's top five:
A sun-soaked weekend in Palermo
If you are short on time in our vibrant city, these are the sights and experiences I would recommend, taking in a whirlwind of colours, scents, and flavours while walking through centuries of history.
Begin the day with a visit to Piazza Verdi and the magnificent Teatro Massimo, before strolling through the historic Mercato il Capo, an outdoor market selling everything from fresh seafood, to souvenirs. Afterwards, admire the Cathedral of Palermo, an awe-inspiring example of Arab-Norman architecture.
From here, wander down the Càssaro, Palermo’s oldest street, to discover the beautiful baroque square Quattro Canti, while the grand Pretoria Fountain and Piazza Bellini are just a short walk away. Finish the morning along pedestrianised street Via Marqueda, finding something delicious to eat in one of the trattorias.
In the afternoon, visit one of Italy’s most spectacular mediaeval churches, the Cathedral of Monreale. Every corner of this exquisite building’s interior is covered in a glittering mosaic of gold, silver and marble, each detail tells a captivating story of Palermo.
Extend your tour with a visit to some of Sicily’s greatest antiquities. Starting with the ancient city of Segesta, before travelling back in time to the mediaeval hilltop village of Erice with its beautifully-preserved cobblestone streets and stunning views.
A rich and compelling history
Our island has an incredible history with many different cultural influences. We offer an exclusive guided tour, Charming Palermo, where guests can experience our unique heritage and tradition, alongside arts and cultural sights from a local perspective. A particular highlight of mine is the opulent Palazzo Gangi Valguarnera, an urban palace dating back to the 15th century.
Another of my favourites is a true hidden gem, which lay undiscovered for decades and was only recently unearthed by chance. During renovation works, the family of Giuseppe Cadili and Valeria Giarrusso discovered the ‘Chamber of Wonders’ - a curious room, dating back to the mid 19th century, filled with intricate gold Arabic inscriptions, against walls painted in the deepest cobalt blue. This private museum now exhibits the fascinating connection between Sicilan and Arabic cultures, and the extraordinary tales embedded within every crevice of this city.
Enchanting views
There is no shortage of breathtaking panoramas in Sicily, but my personal favourite is the view from Monte Pellegrino. A sacred mountain once home to Basilian monks, it is now a protected nature reserve offering an unparalleled vista across the Gulf of Mondello, easily accessed by local bus or on foot.
A perfect souvenir of Palermo
For something special and authentic, I would recommend one of the beautiful ceramic designs crafted by the local artisans at Ceramiche Artistiche Pacon, or a traditional puppet from the Argento family, the city’s renowned master craftsmen and puppeteers.
Discover history, majesty and serenity at Villa Igiea: a turn-of-the-century palazzo at the perimeter of vivid Palermo, the foot of Mount Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo.
Phone Number*
Address
Salita Belmonte 43
Palermo, Italy
Sicily 90142
Palermo, Italy
Sicily 90142
Discover history, majesty and serenity at Villa Igiea: a turn-of-the-century palazzo at the perimeter of vivid Palermo, the foot of Mount Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo.
Phone Number*
Address
Salita Belmonte 43
Palermo, Italy
Sicily 90142
Palermo, Italy
Sicily 90142
Discover history, majesty and serenity at Villa Igiea: a turn-of-the-century palazzo at the perimeter of vivid Palermo, the foot of Mount Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo.
Phone Number*
Address
Salita Belmonte 43
Palermo, Italy
Sicily 90142
Palermo, Italy
Sicily 90142