Palazzo Reale o Albergaria, Historic district in central Palermo, Italy
The Albergheria district spreads through narrow streets surrounding the Norman Palace and displays architectural elements from different periods. The tight lanes pass by old church facades, simple residential buildings, and hidden courtyards that shape the district's appearance.
This neighborhood originated as a Phoenician settlement in Palermo and later housed a significant Jewish community until their expulsion from Sicily in 1492. The site preserves the memory of these early periods in the city and its diverse population history.
The Ballaro Market sits at the center of this neighborhood, where merchants sell fresh produce, local foods, and goods surrounded by centuries-old churches and buildings. Visitors experience the blend of everyday life and architectural heritage that defines the district.
The district comes alive during daytime hours, especially in the morning when the market is active and commerce fills the streets. The best way to explore the place is on foot through the narrow lanes, which sometimes climb steeply and require time to wander.
The area has transformed through modern immigration into a multicultural place where traditional Sicilian elements mix with African and Asian influences. This meeting of different cultures shows itself in the streetscape, shops, and smells that drift through the lanes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
