Palermo

Palermo is a city in which live more than 855 000 people. The city, which boasts beautiful architecture, is the capital of the province as Palermo, and the autonomous region of Sicily.

The town was founded by the Phoenicians 2, 700 years ago and then became part of the Roman Empire. In the twelfth century, the town was chosen as the capital of the Kingdom of Sicily.

The Phoenicians built a small village, which according to some historians, was called Ziz. The name of the city comes from its Greek name Panormus, which literally means "port for all ".

Three hundred years BC, Palermo was a Greek colony, then the city was conquered by the Romans. Palermo quickly became a center of Roman culture and commerce. At this time mass conversion began in Palermo.

After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Palermo came under the authority of the ancient Germanic tribes. Around 904 was established the Emirate of Sicily and the Muslims showed tolerance - the locals were able to profess any faith they want, but only if they pay the appropriate fee to the Muslims.

During Muslim rule, Palermo was known as Balharm and constituted the capital of Islamic civilization in Sicily. From 1479, the town was under the control of the Kingdom of Spain, then under the control of Austria.

From 1820, a period of rebellion started in Sicily. Palermo became part of the new Kingdom of Italy in 1861.

During the Second World War the city was attacked by Allied forces.

The next era of its existence is marked by the fight against the Mafia, which takes the lives of many law enforcement officers.

Today, Palermo is an important tourist center. There are many old churches here that are a mixture of different architectural styles.

For example, the Cathedral of Palermo is a mix of different styles as it was rebuilt over the centuries.

Another church is the church of St. John of the Hermits. It is attractive for photographers because of its red domes.

Among the interesting churches is San Cataldo, which is an example of Norman architecture and the church of St. Francis of Assisi, which was built in 1255.

Tourists in Palermo are attracted by the baroque churches, palaces and romantic atmosphere, which characterize most Mediterranean cities.

Patroness of Palermo is St. Rosalia. The biggest celebration in town is the fifteenth July, when it honors the patroness of Palermo. Then many tourists ride into town.

Teatro Massimo, made by the design of Giovan Battista Filippo Basile, was built in 1897.

The Regional Gallery of Sicily is home to many important works of art. The gallery regularly hosts major regional and national exhibitions.