Stores spread out along the streets in Palermo, in the neighborhoods that Arabs built in the Middle Ages.

Some market photos. (Vucciria, Marsala, Catania's Pescheria and Ballaro.)

From the streets of Palermo.

Agreed!

Modica.

From Catania.

Greek Theatre in Syracuse.

The Palatine Chapel, inside the Norman Palace, is regarded as one of the finest examples of Arab-Norman artistry. The chapel reminds us of the harmonious coexistence of different cultures in Sicily, where Islamic and Christian motifs coexist.

La Pescheria in Catania.

Photo by Gabrielle Hébert, late 19th century.

Cats of Sicily.

Gore Vidal wrote that Sicily was liberated by "Lucky Luciano, Vito Genovese, and the American army." In 1943, the US Navy secretly used the imprisoned mob boss for Sicilian intelligence before Operation Husky. Liberation and corruption arrived on the same boat.

Some photos from the fishing port and ceramics town of Sciacca, in southern Sicily.

Made by Rosk & Loste, this mural in Palermo shows anti-mafia judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino — both assassinated by Cosa Nostra in 1992 — in quiet conversation. They were both born here, in La Kalsa, a few streets apart.

Painting "La Vucciria" by Renato Guttuso

”...the most abundant and overflowing markets, the richest and most festive and the most baroque, are those of the poor countries where the specter of hunger is always hovering...in Baghdad, Valencia or Palermo, a market is more than a market...it’s a vision, a dream, a mirage.” Leonardo Sciascia

And... It's Monday.

#catsofsicily

Afterparty of Cavalcata di San Giuseppe 2026. After the horses paraded through the streets, there were bonfires and street grills around the town.

Sicilians know how to party. 😅

Palermo suits you if you want density, history, and the feeling of being inside a living city rather than visiting a preserved one. It is the right base for day trips toward Trapani or Cefalu, and if you want the option of a serious urban evening alongside quieter days.

Resting place in Catania.

#catsofsicily

At this time of year, you also have to be prepared for rainy days, like here in Catania.

Winter swimming in Mondello.