Constructed on the site of a former mosque from the Islamic city, this church dates back to between 1402 and 1417, according to the oldest documented evidence. Featuring a single nave design and side chapels nestled between buttresses, the original Gothic structure has undergone significant modifications due to restorations and extensions carried out between the 16th and 18th centuries. Notable elements within the church include a Renaissance presbyter, shaped like a triumphal arch, and the chapel dedicated to the Holy Family (1765-1766), which showcases the artistic influence of sculptor Francisco Salzillo. The main entrance of the church, adorned with the shield of the Catholic Monarchs at its peak, is in the Isabelline Gothic style. In contrast, the adjoining communion chapel exhibits a more Baroque aesthetic, featuring an entrance constructed between 1726 and 1735.

This little town with a population of nearly 40,000 lies in the mountains southwest of Palermo. Its postcard-perfect views are only rivalled by the UNESCO-listed Norman masterpiece that is the Monreale Cathedral, Italy’s largest medieval building which holds 6,000 square metres of Byzantine art. One of the most important examples of Norman architecture in Europe, the cathedral is covered in shimmering golden mosaics and also encompasses Arab, Byzantine, and Classical elements.

Founded in 1781, the Orto Botanico di Palermo is considered to be a prestigious open-air botanical museum that has enabled in-depth studies on fascinating plants for about 200 years. Walk down the shaded pathways lined with subtropical plants, fig trees, Mediterranean herb gardens, local cacti, and hibiscus but don't forget to also check out the beautiful historical buildings where this restful paradise is set in.