<< Sicily
Palermo is the capital and largest city in Sicily, as well as one of the most important centers in Italy, known for its rich history, culture, and artistic heritage. The city was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BCE, and became one of the richest trading centers in Sicily. Closely associated with Carthage for centuries, Palermo was ultimately taken by the Romans in 254 BCE. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the city fell under the control of various Germanic tribes, until it was taken by the Byzantines. Palermo was conquered by the Arabs in 831, and for more than two centuries it flourished as the rich capital of the Emirate of Sicily, rivaling the splendor of the most important Muslim cities. As the emirate began to collapse, the Normans conquered Palermo, and all of Sicily, in the late 11th century. This led to the founding of the County of Sicily and later the Kingdom of Sicily, with Palermo as its capital. The kingdom ruled the island for centuries, and came under the rule of various dinasties, staying under the Spanish until the 18th century. Palermo remained the most important center on the island throughout this period, and later joined Italy with all of Sicily in 1861. To this day, Palermo is the main economic and cultural center of Sicily, and features numerous architectural and artistic masterpieces. Tourists are attracted to this city also thanks to its unique food, music, and culture.
Subdivisions of Palermo
- Centro Storico (I Circoscrizione)
- Outside the Center (Circoscrizioni II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII)
Map of Palermo
