Page 35 - The Sicilian Experience Brochure

Palermo

Palermo on the north west coast of Sicily is the For anyone looking for alternatives to city
island’s capital city and one of its leading ports. centre sights, Palermo has a fascinating
Of all Sicily’s cities, it most strikingly embraces hinterland. Day or half-day trips offer the
all aspects of the island’s later history from the beautiful Norman monastery at Monreale in
Arab, Norman and Spanish invasions to the the mountains behind Palermo, the brooding
influences of the Belle Epoque era. The differ- lonely Greek ruins of Segesta and Selinunte, or
ing styles of architecture and artistic treasures the rustic pleasures of the natural park in the
are a feast for the eyes, while the city’s turbu- Madonie mountains. All visitors to Palermo
lent history is ever-present in the busy streets. should try the city’s famous pasta con sarde at
Visitors can sample the animated local lifestyle least once. Listing its diverse ingredients - salted
in the enormous open markets, particularly the sardines, sultanas, pine nuts, fennel, tomato
Vucciria, or delve into the historic past in the sauce and saffron - gives only a hint of the
Cathedral, huge churches like Santa Caterina, a combined flavours of this exhilarating dish. If
splendid example of Sicilian baroque,
you favour sandy beaches then Palermo’s
museums, magnificent palaces, beautiful popular resort of Mondello has a 2km stretch of
squares and a wonderful botanical garden. fine golden coastline
San Giovanni Degli Eremiti - Palermo

Grand Hotel Villa Igiea Grand Hotel Villa Igiea
Grand Hotel Villa Igiea ★★★★★

One of the most beautiful luxury hotels in
Sicily, the world famous Villa Igiea was built
and magnificently decorated in 1898. The
elegant and spacious public rooms have
preserved many of their original furnishings
and decor and are a most stunning feature. The
bedrooms, too, are grandly furnished in the
same style and have views towards the gardens
and harbour. The hotel is surrounded by
extensive tropical terraced gardens which lead
down to the attractive swimming pool and sun
terrace overlooking the sea and harbour.

FACILITIES
● 116 rooms b/s wc tv minibar
● 6 suites
● restaurant
● lounge
● bar
● swimming pool
● tennis
● air conditioning
● lift

Grand Hotel Villa Igiea
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