Palermo

Palermo is Sicily's capital, and the port is within walking distance of the old centre. The city mixes Arab, Norman, and Baroque architecture in a way that's unique in Italy. The Palermo Cathedral shifts between Norman, Gothic, and Baroque styles across its exterior. The Norman Palace's Palatine Chapel has Byzantine mosaics covering every surface. The Quattro Canti intersection marks the old city's centre point. The street markets are the real draw. Ballarò and Vucciria are loud, crowded, and full of vendors selling swordfish, olives, produce, and fried street food. Arancine (fried rice balls) and panelle (chickpea fritters) are sold from carts and are cheap. Pane ca' meusa (spleen sandwich) is the infamous local specialty, not for everyone. The Capuchin Catacombs have mummified bodies in their Sunday clothes, and they're genuinely unsettling. Monreale, about 10km uphill, has a cathedral with extraordinary golden mosaics. The euro is the currency.