Suite Quaroni- a point of start to enjoy Palermo’s historical center
Palermo’s historical center is undoubtedly one of the largest in Europe and in the world. With its wealth of history, culture and traditions, it extends from the coastline all the way to the inland mountain – from porta Felice to Porta Nuova – along the cassaro. From the Teatro Massimo, the historical center runs through via Maqueda all the way down to Stazione Centrale. The Quattro Canti is where the two main arteries cross giving life to one of the most significant outdoor social baroque-art monuments. The opening of Via Maqueda – imposed by the Spanish Viceroy between the XVI and the XVII century – was what led to a total re-design of the city’s prospect, dividing it into 4 districts, each with its own patron saint.
- Albergheria or Palazzo Reale, which was aligned with Paleopolis and the administrative center of the city, where the Palazzo dei Normanni is still located today, had St. Cristina as patron saint
- Seralcadio or Monte di Pietà, which included the Cattedrale, the Mercato del Capo and the monte di pietà, had St. Ninfa as patron saint
- La Loggia or Castellammare, which started at the port – today known as La Cala – and included the fortress of the castle by the water, had St. Oliva as patron saint
- Kalsa or Tribunali, which used to belong to the Arab fortress and the tribunali dell'inquisizione, like Palazzo Chiaramonte, had St. Agata as patron saint
Palermo deserves to be seen with time and patience, enchanting even those who are visiting for a short period of time or a weekend. Suite Quaroni, a B&B in the historical center of Palermo, is definitely the ideal place for those who wish to enjoy the city of Palermo: located in via Maqueda, this bright and welcoming B&B, is designed with every comfort in mind for anyone who travels, and it is strategically positioned for anyone who plans to enjoy Palermo even at night and savor its cuisine in all its flavors and colors, from gourmet to street food.<br<
Starting from Suite Quaroni you can walk for a city tour of all the Arab-Norman monuments and the historical markets. You decide at your leisure your pace at each of the landmarks. Perhaps you will spend more time at the markets being captivated by its colors and sounds, or maybe enjoy a longer period of time at one of the parks, eating some street food. These are all options that are feasible while you’re staying at Quaroni Suite.
Starting from Suite Quaroni you can walk for a city tour of all the Arab-Norman monuments and the historical markets. You decide at your leisure your pace at each of the landmarks. Perhaps you will spend more time at the markets being captivated by its colors and sounds, or maybe enjoy a longer period of time at one of the parks, eating some street food. These are all options that are feasible while you’re staying at Quaroni Suite.
Suite Quaroni head toward Stazione Centrale to arrive at Quattro Canti. Just past Quattro Canti enjoy Piazza Pretoria, also known as Piazza della Vergogna, a visible staple of Sicilian Baroque art. The latter faces over Palazzo delle Aquile, site for the Comune di Palermo, Palermo’s city hall. From Piazza della Vergogna you can access Piazza Bellini, where you will find the church of S. Maria dell’Ammiraglio, of La Martorana and the Church of San Cataldo, both part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Getting back to Quattro Canti, head up from Cassaro, past the Oratorio di S. Salvatore to arrive at the cathedral, la Cattedrale, also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and a great example of the Arab-Norman architecture.
As a testament of strong cultural integration, upon entering the cathedral, right on the first column there is an inscription from a verse of the Quran. Once you pass the cathedral you arrive at Porta Nuova and Palazzo Dei Normanni, where you will be entranced by the beauty and magnificence of the Cappella Palatina.
As a testament of strong cultural integration, upon entering the cathedral, right on the first column there is an inscription from a verse of the Quran. Once you pass the cathedral you arrive at Porta Nuova and Palazzo Dei Normanni, where you will be entranced by the beauty and magnificence of the Cappella Palatina.
At a short distance from Palazzo dei Normanni, you can reach San Giovanni degli Eremiti, another masterpiece of Arab-Norman heritage, which features stunning red cupolas. From San Giovanni degli Eremiti you can venture into the historical market of Ballarò, a fantastic Kaleidoscope of sounds, colors, aromas and faces which will captivate you forcing you to a take a break in one of the local trattorie or by savoring some street food sold by local peddlers.
As you make your way between streets, alleys and street sellers, you will be able to reach Casa Professa, a magnificent example of the Sicilian Baroque art and, once again, a testament of the many cultures – from the Spaniards to the Arabs- that at one point or another dominated the island. If you cross the side entry of the impressive faculty of law, Facoltà di Giurisprudenza, you will find yourself just across of Piazza Pretoria. Then, you can make your way back going up toward via Maqueda, Suite Quaroni-bound, and enjoy an espresso or a hot tea at your leisure in your room.
As you make your way between streets, alleys and street sellers, you will be able to reach Casa Professa, a magnificent example of the Sicilian Baroque art and, once again, a testament of the many cultures – from the Spaniards to the Arabs- that at one point or another dominated the island. If you cross the side entry of the impressive faculty of law, Facoltà di Giurisprudenza, you will find yourself just across of Piazza Pretoria. Then, you can make your way back going up toward via Maqueda, Suite Quaroni-bound, and enjoy an espresso or a hot tea at your leisure in your room.