Palermo Cathedral: Holiness in the Midst of Chaos

Palermo Cathedral

The Cathedral in Palermo is not only impressive, but a Holy Place. It just feels so wonderful to walk in. The guide books say the most impressive part is the outside of the building, but I loved the inside too. Information on the history of the Cathedral can be found on Wikipedia here

It is a jumble of Norman, Renaissance and Gothic elements. Tour groups were everywhere and we made our way in to the Cathedral with a group from the Holland America Eurodam. I couldn't have been happier with the Cathedral. It just felt right. We were on a tour that took us to Monreale, but we stopped first here and I am so glad we did. I loved the Palermo Cathedral so much more than the one in Monreale. I also loved Palermo more. Monreale is a quaint, lovely town but it doesn't have the vibrant nature nor the pandemonium or joy of life of Palermo. 

Palermo Cathedral

Closeup of statue at Palermo Cathedral

Closeup of floor design - interior Palermo Cathedral

Interior Palermo Cathedral

You decide but my vote will be for Palermo! Photos of the Cathedral at Monreale coming tomorrow. 

I was again on a cruise, this time from Rome to Rome, Western Med, traveling solo. I have to admit. I missed my husband a lot this trip, probably because even though I did meet some great people and had a few dinners with them ... it was not like 2011, where I had a group of 2 couples I did almost everything with. I missed you this trip ... Yvette, Ray, Neal and Tiara!

Palermo: Traffic, Chaos and More

Palermo traffic

Our first stop on our Holland America Eurodam cruise was Palermo, Sicily. Before I went, I had mixed reviews from the friends who have been. Most said stay away, go to Monreale or somewhere else, but I'm glad I didn't skip the tour to Palermo. I loved it. There is something so uniquely charming about this chaotic, crazy place.

Palermo traffic on a Saturday

The traffic, because it was Saturday, was heavy but not horrible. There really wasn't a sense of hurry. Sicily is an amazing place, filled with sunshine, palm trees and people that are incredibly happy and hard-working. They smile. They gesture. They live life fully.

Palermo streets

I loved the city tour of Palermo, full of grime and graffiti but also with stores like Frette, the most wonderful linens on this planet. Frette sheets are incredible. Some day I hope to sleep on some!

Frette store at Palermo

We did a tour of Palermo to the Cathedral and then off to Monreale. I have to admit I preferred Palermo. Sure, the Cathedral in Monreale is impressive and I loved the coffee shop I went to, but for real charm, I pick Palermo any time!

Our driver on his cell phone while waiting in Palermo traffic

If you would like more information on what to see and do in Palermo, click here. It is a good list from Lonely Planet.

Gargoyle Heaven: Terminal at Palermo

Cruise terminal at Palermo

The architecture of the terminal at Palermo was really interesting. I loved the fact that the leather seats were a little frayed. It was a premonition of what was to come, elegant but worn. 

There were lovely frescoes on the wall and the use of fine woods and leather. It reminded me of an era when the cruise liners made their way across the Atlantic. 

Close up of a fresco

As I stated earlier, I loved Palermo, much to my surprise. I found an article about this cruise port on cruise critic that pretty much sums up Palermo. That information can be found here. But it must be experienced to fully comprehend. One day was definitely not enough. I would love to go back.

Staircase at Palermo Terminal

Even though there were no gargoyles, I truly believe a gargoyle would be very happy to hang out here. I know I was!

Falling in Love: Graffiti of Palermo

Street in Palermo, Sicily

Everyone I spoke to before I left on my cruise said don't bother with Palermo. Make your way directly to Cefalu or Monreale, as Palermo is ugly and dirty. That's what they said, but that is not what I found. I cannot judge a place by how it looks but how it feels to me. Palermo is dirty. Palermo is full of graffiti and people. It is a jumble of all these things I rationalize are things I do not like. But guess what? I loved loved loved Palermo. 


Somehow the mix of old buildings and crowded streets combined with thousands of years of history, the sun, olive oil and smiles brought tears to my eyes. Even the graffiti did not bother me. It almost seems like it belongs here. 


Palermo is a mix of all that is good and bad in the world, with a dash of hope mixed in. It does not apologize for not being neat and tidy. I felt love and goodness. Here are some of the shots I took of the graffiti. 

Then I came across this, the Cathedral in Palermo. What's not to love!

Entering the Cathedral area of Palermo, Sicily

What to Do in Palermo?

Cathedral in Palermo

I haven't decided yet what tour I want to take in Palermo, Italy. One tour from the ship goes to the seaside town of Cefalù, the other one does a panorama of Palermo and then on to the Cathedral in Monreale. Both tours sound great. 


More information on Cefalù can be found on wikipeda ... click here. Monreale, on the other hand, is considered to be one of the best representation of Norman architecture in the world. Click here to read about Monreale on wikipedia. 

Monreale Cathedral

One client of mine recommended the seaside town and walk. Another client insists I will love Monreale. I feel torn. If anyone has an opinion, let me know  your thoughts.

William II at Sicily at Monreale