Palermo

The Chamber of Wonders

HISTORICAL NOTES WHAT TO EAT MUST-SEE PICTURES

HISTORICAL NOTES

Franca Florio

In the Palermo of the Belle Epoque a woman was queen, she was the wife of Ignazio Florio, one of the richest men in Sicily. She was responsible for many ideas that would make Sicily a comfortable land for working mothers: the creation of the first nurseries within the various Florio factories, for example. The Queen of Palermo, so Donna Franca was called. Many legends circulate around her figure, made famous by curiosity and those who spoke of her. At her court, artists, poets and other men of culture arrived and were bewitched, but only the gaze remained with them.

Ruggero d'Altavilla

The tomb of a great ruler, capable of uniting the whole of southern Italy and bringing together an experience of power, culture and prosperity, lies in Palermo Cathedral. A parable that was destined to last. We are talking about Roger II of Altavilla, a Norse, a Norman, a 'Viking', also called Roger the Norman, it was in 1113 that he became Count of Sicily. The work of conquering Africa begun by his father Roger I needed new efforts. The construction of new fleets and the strengthening of the army were the basis for the conquest of today's Tunisia and Libya. The strategic objective: to establish hegemony in the Mediterranean, at the centre of which was Sicily.

Unni voli mancu a broru

"He cannot understand even in liquid form." This is an opinion aimed at a person who is incapable of understanding what is being said, even the simplest things.

WHAT TO EAT

Pani ca Mìevusa

Bread with spleen is one of the most famous street dishes in the world. The vastedda, a large, round bun covered with sesame seeds, holds a filling of boiled veal spleen, to which lung is often added, both of which are fried shortly before the sandwich is delivered. It can be served 'schettu', i.e. the classic version, or 'maritatu' with the addition of salted ricotta and/or caciocavallo cheese.

Raschiatura

The people of Palermo invented this food in order to avoid waste. It is in fact a dough obtained by mixing the various leftovers found in the frying pans at the end of the day. Rather than throwing them away, the Palermitan cooks would combine leftover potatoes for crocché, chickpeas for panelle, and create mixtures.

Bruciuluni

The 'involtini alla palermitana', known in the city as 'bruciuluni' are rolls of veal stuffed with sultanas, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, aromatic herbs, cold meats of your choice (mortadella, salami, prosciutto crudo, prosciutto cotto, provola dolce) and hard-boiled eggs. There are countless versions, but the best known is the one in which they are cooked in a tasty sauce enriched with pork rinds and veal scraps.

MUST-SEE

Catacombe dei frati cappuccini

The Convent of the Capuchins in Palermo is known throughout the world for the presence of a vast cemetery in its basement that attracts the curiosity of the most fearless visitors, known since centuries past and even included as a compulsory stop on the Grand Tour of young Europeans in the 19th century. The tunnels were excavated as early as the end of the 16th century and form a large rectangular cemetery. An estimated 8,000 corpses are preserved there. The peculiarity, however, is that the bodies are exposed and perfectly preserved thanks to the phenomenon of mummification.

The paper room

A place unknown to most people, which you may come across almost by chance while strolling through the streets of the city centre. When you enter, you will feel as if you are stepping back in time: high shelves up to the ceiling full of old books, rare and unobtainable editions, and then a small staircase and a small gallery, secret rooms behind the bookcases and two small lounges where you can stop for a moment and browse through some books. The owner is a helpful and friendly gentleman who will gladly let you take some photos.

The Chinese Palazzina

It may seem unlikely, but in Palermo you can find the Chinese Palazzina. It is one of the hidden beauties of Sicily's capital, and one of the most controversial works in the area. It is a very special building: in fact, it fully reflects the Chinese style and also boasts a recent renovation that enhances its oriental characteristics. It was built during the Bourbon period by Ferdinand IV, a true connoisseur of Asian art, who has left us an asset of very high cultural value.

OTHER INFORMATION

B&B HOTELS

B&B HOTELS has recognized the Talking Places as a tool in line with the philosophy of innovation and inclusion of the group, summarized by their claim "Only for Everyone". The project, in fact, is aimed at stimulating the attractiveness of destinations and offering national and international visitors an authentic and immersive experience, transforming the simple "hit and run" tourist in a "temporary resident" in collaboration with the Movement Life Beyond Tourism - Travel to Dialogue.