What is Palermo like? Is it worth staying in? Some of the guide books make it sound like many of the buildings are in very poor repair. Is it worth spending a few days there is it it better to go there on a day trip from another place.

I was there in 1996 and found it quite safe. The Arab-Norman architecture in the Cathedral, Chapel and Monreale is quite spectacular, particularly the mosaic work and the lovely columns in the cloister at Monreale. It is run down as far as civic buildings go, as restoration work seems to take many years (esp. with the opera house). Two to three days would give you a good look at the most interesting sites. The archaeological museum is fabulous and has the metopes from Selinunte among other treasures. Watch your bag in the crowded areas but apart from that you should be fine.

I was there in 1996 and found it quite safe. The Arab-Norman architecture in the Cathedral, Chapel and Monreale is quite spectacular, particularly the mosaic work and the lovely columns in the cloister at Monreale. It is run down as far as civic buildings go, as restoration work seems to take many years (esp. with the opera house). Two to three days would give you a good look at the most interesting sites. The archaeological museum is fabulous and has the metopes from Selinunte among other treasures. Watch your bag in the crowded areas but apart from that you should be fine.

Joanna: Thanks for responding. What else did you find interesting there? Also, I would contemplate being there for about 2 weeks. Would you spend 2 or 3 days there (as you mentioned) for a trip of this duration? Are most of the hotels in a newer part of the city? I think I read that.

Good afternoon,"mwg" <BR>Palermo is certainly a city to visit for <BR>a few days, there many places to see within Palermo and outside such as <BR>Monreale and Mondello. I am answering <BR>your e-mail from NYC, however when I <BR>return home Tuesday will get back to you <BR>with more information on Palermo and <BR>also some url's also. We have been to <BR>Palermo about five times while visiting <BR>Sicily, it is also renown for its crusine. We have always used the Hotel <BR>Jolly del Foro, which is located off <BR>a wide beach facing the water and in a <BR>good location. Richard of Hickory Hills, IL.... <BR>With an old city as Palermo is it does <BR>have old buildings, some around the <BR>little harbor are in the same condition <BR>as they were in 1944 when bombed by us. <BR>I would assume they are waiting for the <BR>realestate values to increase..rjv

I was in Palermo for several days in late March of 1998. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I stayed in a hotel in the center of town - can not remember the name at the moment but it was a converted palazzo run by Best Western! Wonderful staff and fabulous restaurant with great views of the city. I felt quite safe. Enjoy yourself!