We start at the Norman Palace (from outside) and stroll along the Bonanno Park with its palm trees, an artificially created oasis in town, to the Cathedral (visit). This monumental edifice from the 12th century has been rebuilt several times since. We then take to the narrow streets of the Capo district and the picturesque Capò Market with its many colourful fish, vegetable, fruit, meat and herb stands. Afterwards we see the opera house Teatro Massimo (from outside) and walk to the baroque square Quattro Canti, the heart of the old city centre. Close by, we find the City Council Square, which has been adorned for more than 400 years with the Pretoria Fountain, famously praised by the art critic Giorgio Vasari. After hearing about the history of this Florentine fountain and its Carrara marble statues, we end our city walk at the Piazza Bellini with the tiny churches La Martorana and San Cataldo (from outside), architectural jewels from medieval times.

The two-hour city tour takes place every Tuesday at 5 p.m. (minimum participants 10 persons). Meeting place is the cashiers desk of the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), which is situated near the Villa Bonanno Park. The price for the city walk is EUR 20 each (children up to 16 years free). Registration can be made by email: a.bestler@tours-of-sicily.com (You will get an email of confirmation informing you whether the tour will take place) or by phone: (0039)-339-6600612.