Mysterious Palermo

Explore the enigmatic and picturesque on a journey up Monte Pellegrino, offering a panoramic view of Palermo’s 27-century history from its 1800-foot summit. Delve into the renowned cave of Santa Rosalia, a beloved saint who once prayed here and is now honored in a baroque-style sanctuary near the cave’s entrance. Returning to Palermo, descend into the Crypt of the Capuchins, an eerie space housing 8000 bodies and revealing the mummification secrets practiced by the friars since the late 16th century. Notably, witness the immaculate preservation of 2-year-old Rose Lombardo, a testament to the skill of the exceptional embalmer Alfredo Salafia. In the city’s historic district, visit the perpetual construction site of St. Joseph’s church, showcasing impressive monolithic columns. Conclude the journey at Marina square, exploring the prisons of the Spanish Inquisition within the 14th-century Chiaromonte castle.

Indulge in à la carte dining at the “Beati Paoli” restaurant, named after the 1700s secret society influencing life and death. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Abatelli Palace, hosting the city’s paramount fine arts museum. Marvel at the renowned 15th-century fresco “The Triumph of Death” exploring the transient nature of worldly pleasures. Proceed to Vespri square, where legend has it the French killed during the 1282 revolution lie buried, inspiring Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “Vespri Siciliani.” Conclude your tour at the 19th-century art gallery, unveiling the provocative masterpiece “Die Sünde” (the sin) by symbolist master Franz Von Stück. An additional surprise visit to the nearby Spasimo church is also available upon request.

• Monte Pellegrino

• Santa Rosalia Cave

• Palermo

• Crypt of the Capuchins

• St Joseph Curch

• Vespri Square

• Spasimo Church