Discount Hotels Palermo
Historical interest: Palermo
    
Palermo boasts a long and eventful history, beginning with the Phoenician conquest
and going through the Roman, Arab, Norman and Swabian dominations. The Arabs contributed
enormously to the city growth and left indelible traces of their civilization,
notably in the architecture and in the urban layout of the city.
The Normans made Palermo the capital city of the Kingdom of Sicily, which achieved
its height under Roger II, who would foster Sicilian arts and the economy. Fond
of beauty in all of its forms, Roger ordered the construction of numerous palazzi
that are still major attractions of the town. The Swabian Frederick II was also
a lover and patron of arts. He founded a school of poetry and actively contributed
to developing natural and physical sciences.
Upon his death, the island was taken by the French Angevins, who are remembered
more for a bad tax policy than cultural changes. The Sicilian Vespers, a revolt
which broke out in Palermo in 1282 and soon spread to the rest of the island,
ultimately drove them from Sicily.
Despite the loss of its status as capital city to Naples, Palermo enjoyed a
new period of prosperity, noted by a remarkable urban growth. Palermo's major
palazzi and churches were refurbished and restored, and many new ones were built
due to the efforts of local clergy.
Today, Palermo captivates visitors with its spectacular scenery, convenient
location and superb architectural heritage, making it Sicily's most popular
tourist destination.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Cristal Palace | | Holiday Inn Palermo | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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