SILENCE AND COMFORT, ENCLOSED IN A CHARMING GARDEN WITH POOL

Monte Pellegrino Nature Reserve: The particular geological conformation of Monte Pellegrino, not far from Palermo, with sheer rock walls that surround the area, has allowed the local vegetations and fauna to be preserved perfectly, protected from man’s interference and environmental changes as if they were inside a fortress. Set up in 1996 to protect the rich biodiversity of the area, the Monte Pellegrino Nature Reserve stands on about 1000 hectares and is home to about a thousand species of plants, including 25 splendid types of orchids, and half the species of mammals that live in Sicily, together with reptiles and birds. The Reserve is also extremely important from a palaeontological point of view: there are various fossils and ancient cave drawings inside the Reserve, as signs of ancient life. Not to be missed: A look at the amazing view that you can enjoy from the top of the Mountain: the long white beach, the Caribbean-like sea, and the rock cliffs.

Palermo is a lively, sunny city, full of events...: History and traditions. A few of the most important ones: Festino di Santa Rosalia – from July 9th to 15th. For four centuries in the month of July, Palermo has celebrated Santa Rosalia, who saved the city from a terrible plague in 1600 and thus became the city’s patron saint. The festival lasts for a week, a period in which the city is invaded by travelling theatrical and musical shows, all linked to the life of the saint. The height of the celebrations is the charming procession of the monumental cart that crosses the Cassaro as far as the Marina. At the end of the religious procession, there is an amazing fireworks display. Festival di Morgana – November - celebration of the art of the pupi, The Festival is made up of a run of shows in which the historical Sicilian “Pupari” families appear, theatrical companies that continue the tradition that UNESCO has proclaimed a “masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity”.

The true essence of this city.: Vucciria: To truly see a cross-section of Palermo life, we suggest a walk round the Vucciria market, that spreads outs between Via Roma and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. This is one of the most characteristic places in Palermo, where there is a unique, strongly Sicilian atmosphere, that is made even more intense through the aromas of the typical local produce from the land and sea. Kalsa: this is Palermo’s Arabic quarter, where it is still possible to capture a feel of the ancient Arabic-Sicilian culture and often smell the strong aromas of the food that is prepared in the several kiosks along the streets. The centre of the Kalsa quarter is the square which has the same name. The sixteenth-century gateway, Porta dei Greci, also known as Porta d’Africa, from where it is possible to glimpse the sea, is a sight worth visiting.

The typical aromas of Sicilian cooking can be smelt all over Palermo, not just in the restaurants but in the city streets and squares.