Built in the early 14th century in Norman Gothic style, Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri, one of the symbols of Palermo, bears witness to a multifaceted history as both a tribunal and prison under the Inquisition from 1600 to 1782. Today, it serves as the headquarters of the University of Palermo, offering visitors a glimpse into history through its marvellous lecture halls adorned with intricate 14th-century wooden ceilings. The Inquisition Museum within its walls unveils the poignant narratives of prisoners through haunting graffiti and artworks, etching their stories onto the very cells that once confined them.

Staten Island might be the city’s quietest borough, but it’s full of character and history. The free Staten Island Ferry runs all day and night, offering great views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan before docking in St. George, where 19th-century architecture meets local culture. Stop by the restored St. George Theatre, the National Lighthouse Museum, or the Staten Island Museum, which mixes natural history, art, and local exhibits. Green space is everywhere here. The Staten Island Greenbelt offers miles of trails and woodlands, and in summer, the island’s beaches are popular for kayaking and relaxing by the water. For a closer look at local history, visit the Alice Austen House, once home to one of America’s first female photographers, or explore Historic Richmond Town, a preserved village with buildings and artifacts that trace island life back to the 1600s. Staten Island also has a growing food scene, especially around St. George and Stapleton, where you’ll find local breweries and waterfront restaurants worth discovering.

The Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is a nonprofit organization that rehabilitates sick, injured, orphaned, displaced, and abandoned wild animals with the intent of reintroducing and releasing them back into the wild. The Conservation Center is the largest sanctuary for animals in the Southwestern United States.

Cycling in Rhodes is an adventure waiting to happen. Thanks to a wealth of well-marked routes, two-wheeling around the island has never been more accessible. RodosCycling offers curated excursions that whisk you past archaeological marvels and stunning natural landscapes.