Italy | Sicily

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is a port city located in the northwest of the island. Sicily is located southwest of the Apennine Peninsula, near the Tyrrhenian Sea's Gulf of Palermo. It is the largest island in the Mediterranean and the largest city in Sicily. It is also a natural harbor with a rugged terrain. Palermo Cathedral was built in 1184 and completed in the 18th century. It is a fusion of many architectural styles. In 1184, the bishop began to build a Norman church on the site of a mosque. In the 13th century, it was influenced by Gothic architecture, and in the 15th century, it incorporated Spanish architectural styles. The Gothic double spire windows and arches, the Catalan-style porch and columns, and the Muslim-style geometric patterns of the apse are all perfectly integrated. The interior of the church is a Norman-style semicircular hall, which is large and empty. It is the burial place of the Norman royal family. The underground treasure house displays a variety of jewelry, all of which belonged to Queen Costanza di Aragon. After visiting Palermo Cathedral, head to the Italian restaurant La Galleria in the alley behind it. The restaurant serves delicious seafood pasta in large portions that will not disappoint.