Villa Bonanno

Villa Bonanno is an urban green space in central Palermo situated between the Cathedral and a historic city gate. The grounds feature numerous palm trees and Mediterranean vegetation arranged throughout the area, with pathways and seating spots for visitors.

The site originated as a park built over a Roman villa, preserving ancient remains from classical times. Below the surface lie structures from Arab and Norman periods, reflecting the layered history of settlement in this region.

The gardens serve as a gathering space for local people who spend time near the Cathedral as part of daily routines passed down over time. This tradition gives the park its character as a living part of the neighborhood.

The park can be accessed through several entrances around its perimeter and is conveniently located near public transportation. It is best visited during morning hours when there are fewer crowds and the weather is cooler.

Ongoing archaeological excavations beneath the park have revealed structures from multiple civilizations stacked on top of each other. These layers tell a continuous story of how different peoples occupied and shaped the same location over centuries.