Palermo – the capital of Sicily – is a destination with a difference. The city is a treasure trove of original monuments and works of art, combined with architecture of grand proportions. Yet it also has a grittier side, shown by the continuing influence of the mafia. Jeremy Dummett here provides a concise overview of Palermo's long history, together with a survey of its most important monuments and sites. He looks at the influences of the city's various ancient rulers – the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and Normans – as well as its more recent incarnation as part of the Italian state. In addition to being an essential companion for visitors to Palermo, this book can be equally enjoyed as a standalone history of the city and its place at the heart of Sicily

This is a guide to all aspects of Palermo and its surroundings: where to stay and eat, what to see and do, how to get around. The island of Sicily is like another world compared to the rest of Italy - only three km away over the Messina Straits. And in fact the people proclaim themselves Sicilians first, with distinct differences in language, culture, food and day-to-day living. Many visitors find this surprising but refreshing. The richness in culture is seen in the architecture, theater, cinema and art found everywhere. Despite the poverty, unemployment and much-publicized Mafia control, it's a vibrant and volatile place but far safer than tourists expect.Sicilians have a strong sense of community, the pace of life is slow, schedules seem to have no importance and it can be simultaneously frustrating, entertaining and totally memorable. But, whether you come here to fish, dive, hike, ski, play golf or trace your family origins, there is plenty that is appealing to visitors. The capital of Sicily is immediately enticing despite its frenetic traffic and heady markets. It's an exciting, in-your-face and up-your-nose kind of city that's brash, fast and loveable - one of those places that is both loathed and loved in almost the same heartbeat. Jamie Oliver accurately described it as "modern-day anarchy" when he toured in 2005 writing and filming Jamie's Italy (BBC). There is crumbling architectural wealth, the diversity of multi-ethnic communities, an energetic population, tantalizing markets and wonderful coastlines, with the island of Ustica lying just off the coast. You can also retreat to the heights of Monte Pellegrino to the north or to the fine beach of Mondello. Palermo Highlights: Monreale - The ceiling of the church at Monreale in the heights above the city is a stunning example of medieval workmanship, with some of the most important of Christian mosaics in the world. Vucciria Market - The heady delights of Palermo are best experienced on foot in this bustling age-old market. Let your feet do the walking past stalls selling everything from film, batteries and electrical cord to mouth-watering delicacies like sun-dried tomatoes, eggplant and home-made pasta. Mondello - The pleasant beachfront, with fine seafood dining on ceramic plates, is a good excursion from the capital. Monte Pellegrino - Escape from the hustle and bustle of Palermo into the pleasant park area to the sanctuary on top. Bus it or walk to stretch your legs. Ustica - The turtle-shaped island off the coast is a pleasant day-escape from the busy capital. Its sparkling clear waters are perfect for scuba-diving. Monte Iato - This small mountain 30 km west of Palermo is a rocky slope littered with the remains of ancient cities in one of the region's most beautiful areas.

Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, is a place where history whispers from every corner and where vibrant culture dances through its streets. Nestled on the northern coast of this Mediterranean island, Palermo stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of influences that have shaped its identity over millennia. From ancient ruins to medieval palaces, bustling markets to tranquil gardens, Palermo offers a captivating blend of the old and the new, the familiar and the exotic. To truly understand Palermo, one must delve into its past. The city's history is a mosaic of civilizations that have left their mark, from the Phoenicians and Greeks to the Arabs and Normans. Each culture has contributed to Palermo's architectural wonders, culinary delights, and cultural traditions, creating a unique fusion that is unmistakably Sicilian. One of the most iconic landmarks of Palermo is the Norman Palace, a testament to the island's medieval past. Built in the 9th century by the Arab rulers of Sicily, the palace was later expanded by the Norman kings who conquered the island. Today, it houses the Palazzo dei Normanni, the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly, and the stunning Palatine Chapel, renowned for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics. Palermo's cultural diversity is reflected in its vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm. From the bustling markets of Ballarò and Vucciria to the tranquil streets of Kalsa and La Loggia, every corner of the city offers a glimpse into Sicilian life. The city's culinary scene is equally diverse, with influences from Italy, North Africa, and the Middle East. Visitors can sample traditional Sicilian dishes such as arancini (rice balls), panelle (chickpea fritters), and sfincione (Sicilian pizza), as well as exotic flavors brought by centuries of trade and conquest. Despite its ancient roots, Palermo is a city that embraces modernity while preserving its heritage. The revitalization of historic neighborhoods, such as La Kalsa and Albergheria, has breathed new life into the city, attracting artists, entrepreneurs, and visitors from around the world. Palermo's cultural calendar is filled with events and festivals that celebrate its diverse heritage, from the Feast of Santa Rosalia to the Arab-Norman Palermo Festival. Whether exploring the city's museums and galleries, wandering through its markets and gardens, or simply soaking up the sun on its sandy beaches, there is something for everyone in Palermo. Palermo is a city of contrasts and contradictions, where ancient history meets modern life, and where tradition mingles with innovation. It is a place that captivates the imagination and leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. So come, immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Palermo, and discover the magic of Sicily's capital city.

The fourth novel in Tariq Ali’s ‘Islam Quintet’ charts the life and loves of the medieval cartographer Muhammed al-Idrisi. Torn between his close friendship with the sultan and his friends who are leaving the island or plotting a resistance to Norman rule, Idrisi finds temporary solace in the harem; but his conscience is troubled... A Sultan in Palermo is a mythic novel in which pride, greed, and lust intermingle with resistance and greatness. It echoes a past that can still be heard today. Praise for the Islam Quintet: “A richly woven tapestry that even before its completion meritscomparison with Naguib Mahfouz’s Cairo trilogy.” Kirkus Reviews

This volume documents the history of the Jews in Sicily based on notarial and court records. It illustrate the economic, social, and religious history of the Jewish minority and the relations with the Christian majority. The volume is provided with additional bibliography and indexes.

This volume of the Documentary History of the Jews in Italy is the fifth of the second series, illustrating the history of the Jews in Sicily based on notarial and court records. It is the sequel to the eight volumes of the first series. Notarial deeds drawn up by public notaries in Palermo and elsewhere and cases brought before the Pretorian Court in Palermo present a kaleidoscopic picture of the private lives of the Jews of Sicily during the last three centuries of their presence on the island. They illustrate the economic, social and religious history of the Jewish minority and the relations with the Christian majority. Much information is provided on trade and commerce, crafts and professions, religious and family life. Some light is thrown also on the internal life of the communities, particulary the larger ones, including organization and institutions, the synagogue, education, customs and traditions. Although the surviving legal deeds present only a fraction of the total drawn up in those years, they are copious and abundant. Over 30,000 documents of this group were selected for publication. While some documents were dealt with at length, most had to be presented in summary form, giving only the bare essentials. Most appear here for the first time. The volume is provided with additional bibliography and indexes, while the introduction will appear at the end of the series.