Palermo

Palermo is the capital of the Italian island of Sicily. The 12th-century cathedral houses royal tombs, while the massive neoclassical Teatro Massimo is famous for its opera performances. In the city center are the Palazzo dei Normanni, a royal palace that began to be built in the 9th century, and the Palatine Chapel, with Byzantine mosaics. The busiest markets are the central Ballarò and La Vucciria, near the port.