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Palermo Cathedral
Over the centuries, Sicily was ruled by successive waves of conquerors, each one leaving their mark on the island’s architecture, culture, and cuisine. A perfect example of this blend of cultures is the Palermo Cathedral, a fascinating patchwork of Norman, Arabic, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical architectural styles.
The Basics
The Palermo Cathedral (also called Santa Maria Assunta or simply the Duomo) was begun in the late 12th century under Norman rule, and was expanded and renovated over the subsequent six centuries. Today, the imposing church is a striking mix of architectural elements, making it one of the most unique in Italy. The interior contains tombs of several members of the Sicilian royal family; the treasury’s collection of religious art, objects, and vestments; and the crypt with sarcophagi from the Roman era.
Because of its rich history and complex architecture, the Palermo Cathedral is best visited with a guide as part of a small-group or private tour. Most walking tours of the historic center of Palermo include a visit to the Cathedral along with other attractions like the Royal Palace and the Massimo Theater. Otherwise, you can join a hop-on-hop-off bus tour and explore the church and other sights independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Walking tours of Palermo largely take place outdoors, so wear sunscreen and a hat in summer.
- You will be doing a fair amount of walking if you’re joining a tour of the historic center, so wear comfortable footwear.
- The Palermo Cathedral requires modest attire that covers the knees and shoulders.
- The main part of the church is accessible to wheelchair users; however, the crypt isn’t.
How to Get There
The Palermo Cathedral is located in the city’s historic center within walking distance from the port and train station. You can reach Sicily from mainland Italy by ferry, train, or plane.
When to Get There
Sicily can be uncomfortably hot in summer, so try to visit the island in spring or fall. The second week of July, the city holds its annual U Fistinu festival, featuring processions, fireworks, street food, and music.
The Crown Jewels
The highlight the Palermo Cathedral is the 13th-century crown of Queen Constance of Aragon, crowned Queen of Sicily in 1209 and Holy Roman Empress in 1212. The crown was entombed with Constance’s body in 1222; in the 18th century, the tomb was opened and the crown was removed so it could be displayed in the treasury.
Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Palermo 90040, Italy
From $ 23
Paleokastritsa
According to legend, the Greek village of Paleokastritsa (Palaiokastritsa) is where Odysseus was shipwrecked and met Nausicaa in Homer’s epic tale the Odyssey. It’s a suitable setting for mythical romance, with a string of beaches, olive groves, and cypress forests set against the glittering Mediterranean Sea.
The Basics
Located on Corfu’s northwest coast, Paleokastritsa is usually included on most island tours or Corfu shore excursions. The island’s small size makes it easy to visit Paleokastritsa along with highlights such as Corfu Town, Achilleion Palace, and the Hill of Kanoni. Most Paleokastritsa tours make a beeline for the hilltop Monastery of Virgin Mary of Paleokastritsa, which offers panoramic views of the coastline.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Paleokastritsa is a must-see for beach, culture, and history lovers.
- Bring sun protection; temperatures can reach over 86°F (30°C) during summer.
- The beaches of Paleokastritsa have showers, sunbeds, and parasols for rent, and there are plenty of places to purchase food and drinks.
- Dress modestly if you plan to visit the monastery.
How to Get There
Paleokastritsa is located on Corfu’s northwest coast, roughly 16 miles (25 kilometers) from Corfu Town. Buses run regularly between the two towns and take around 40 minutes, but if you plan to explore the surrounding villages and beaches, it’s a good idea to join a guided tour or organize private transport.
When to Get There
Summer (July through August) is the island’s busiest season, so arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach. Shoulder season (April through May or September through November) is a particularly good time to visit, when temperatures are still ideal for swimming and there are fewer crowds. During winter the water is typically too cold to swim, and many hotels and attractions may be closed.
Exploring the Beaches of Paleokastritsa
The coastline around Paleokastritsa is lined with sand and pebble beaches and the cool water is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and watersports. Boat trips around the bay allow you to cruise around small caves and rock pools, while during summer speedboats and water taxis hop between beaches.
Address: Paleokastritsa, Greece
From $ 49
Palazzo Vecchio
The 13th-century Palazzo Vecchio has been the symbol of this Renaissance capital’s political power for more than seven centuries. With its imposing crenellated roofline and defensive tower, it dominates Piazza della Signoria and is home to the luxurious chambers of the Medici family. Visiting Palazzo Vecchio for a peek into Renaissance Florence is a rite of passage for visitors.
The Basics
The “Old Palace” was built in the early 1300s and sumptuously redecorated by the ruling Medici family in the 16th century when Grand Duke Cosimo I transferred his official seat here from Palazzo Medici. The courtyards, official halls, and private apartments feature elaborately decorated ceilings and statues by such luminaries as Donatello and Michelangelo, giving a sense of the wealth of Florence’s most powerful family during the height of the Renaissance. The most important rooms are the vast Salone dei Cinquecento, decorated by the celebrated Renaissance painter Giorgio Vasari and used as seat of the 500-member Grand Council; the secret Studiolo di Francesco I, also decorated by Vasari; and the Map Room.
Because of the palazzo's wealth of art and history, its museum is best visited with a tour guide, especially during the crowded months between May and October, when the wait to enter can be long and skip-the-line tickets are a must. Visitors can also tour the archaeological excavations under the building's foundations to see the uncovered remains of the Roman theater of Florentia.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The palazzo's soaring Arnolfo Tower offers stupendous views of Florence and the surrounding hills of Tuscany; children under 6 are not allowed to climb the tower.
- Most of Palazzo Medici is dedicated to the museum where visitors can take in important Renaissance art and architecture, but the building is also still the seat of local government and home to the mayor's office and city council.
- Backpacks and bags are not allowed inside Palazzo Vecchio; lockers available for a charge at the entrance.
- Most of the palazzo is accessible to wheelchairs, with exception of the tower and mezzanine level.
How to Get There
Palazzo Vecchio is in the southern corner of Piazza della Signoria, a short stroll from the Uffizi Gallery. By bus, take the C1 to Galleria Delgi Uffizi, then walk one block west or take the C2 to Porta Rossa and walk three blocks east.
When to Get There
The museums are open daily but close on Thursday afternoons. The palazzo can be very crowded at midday, so consider joining a tour in the early morning before most visitors arrive or at sunset to avoid the busiest time and enjoy the view from the tower.
The Vasari Corridor
This secret passage that runs between Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti was commissioned by the Grand Duke Cosimo I in 1565 and designed by Giorgio Vasari. Once a secret route used by the Medici family to travel through the city, the corridor is now an art gallery and can be visited in small groups as part of a private tour.
Address: Piazza della Signoria, Florence 50123, Italy
Hours: Open daily 9am - 7pm. Closed on Easter, Dec 25 and Aug 15
Admission: Varies
From $ 3
Palazzo Real (Royal Palace)
Today, Milan is part of a unified Italy – but centuries ago, it was the center of its own empire, and has a Royal Palace to prove it. Milan's Palazzo Reale sits to one side of the Piazza del Duomo, a U-shaped building with its own piazza in the center (called the Piazzetta Reale). The Dukes of Milan moved into the Royal Palace from the Castello Sforzesco in the early 16th century, though the building predates that move. Much of the exterior we see today dates from the 18th century.
Today, the Palazzo Reale houses a Palace Museum tracing the history of the building's use, the Great Museum of the Duomo of Milan, as well as regular exhibitions of contemporary art – including displays of work by Monet, Picasso, Klimt, Kandinsky, and more. The artwork on display changes on a regular basis, loaned from major museums worldwide.
Practical Info
Milan's Royal Palace is adjacent to the Duomo, and is open Mondays from 2:30-7:30pm, Tuesday-Sundays from 9:30am-10:30pm. Tickets are €9.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 12, Milan, Italy
Hours: Mondays from 2:30-7:30pm, Tuesday-Sundays from 9:30am-10:30pm.
Admission: €9
From $ 36
Palazzo Altemps
Featuring Greek and Roman antiquities that once belonged to Rome’s nobility, the Palazzo Altemps offers a glimpse into the past — as well as into Rome’s Renaissance. The collection contains many marble statues in addition to frescoes, mosaics, and intricately decorated ceilings. Most famously it also houses the Ludovisi art collection. Curated by Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi in the 17th century, it includes such classical pieces as Trono Ludovisi (Ludovisi Throne), a carved marble block with a relief of the goddess Venus. The Galata Suicida (Gaul’s Suicide) is another grouping of masterful statues that is a highlight for many.
Aside from the Roman pieces there is also a fine Egyptian collection on display featuring many Eastern antiquities. The building itself features a large scenic courtyard and many rooms filled with classical sculpture. The 15th century palazzo is one of four buildings across the city that make up the National Roman Museum.
Practical Info
Palazzo Altemps is located at Piazza di Sant'Apollinare 46, just around the corner from Piazza Navona in Rome. It is open daily from 9 am to 7:45 pm, but is closed on Mondays. Admission cost is €7, and includes entry to nearby Palazzo Massimo and Crypta Balbi.
Address: Piazza di Sant'Apollinare, 46, Roma 00186, Italy
Admission: € 7.00
From $ 19
Palazzo Corvaja
The Sicilian town of Taormina, like the rest of Sicily, has changed hands many times over the centuries, the evidence of which can be seen in much of the island’s architecture. In Taormina, one building that captures the town’s history is the Palazzo Corvaja on the Piazza Badia.
The first part of the Palazzo Corvaja was the tower, built in the 10th century by the Arabs who ruled the area at the time. The tower was then part of the city’s fortifications, and the cube-shape was typical of Arab towers built in that era. In the 13th century when the Normans were in charge, they added to the palace, making the tower bigger and building a new wing.
Later, in the early 15th century, the Spanish ruled Sicily - and they added yet another wing to the existing construction at the Palazzo Corvaja. This time, the structure was designed to hold the Sicilian Parliament, formed in 1411. The name of the palace dates from the 16th century, when it became the property of the prominent Corvaja family. They owned the building until 1945.
The Palazzo Corvaja served as an apartment building for low-income families from the early 1900s until after World War II, so it needed extensive renovation work after the war. Today, the building houses the Sicilian Museum of Art and Popular Traditions as well as Taormina’s tourist information office. The latter is in a new section of the building, added in 1960.
The first part of the Palazzo Corvaja was the tower, built in the 10th century by the Arabs who ruled the area at the time. The tower was then part of the city’s fortifications, and the cube-shape was typical of Arab towers built in that era. In the 13th century when the Normans were in charge, they added to the palace, making the tower bigger and building a new wing.
Later, in the early 15th century, the Spanish ruled Sicily - and they added yet another wing to the existing construction at the Palazzo Corvaja. This time, the structure was designed to hold the Sicilian Parliament, formed in 1411. The name of the palace dates from the 16th century, when it became the property of the prominent Corvaja family. They owned the building until 1945.
The Palazzo Corvaja served as an apartment building for low-income families from the early 1900s until after World War II, so it needed extensive renovation work after the war. Today, the building houses the Sicilian Museum of Art and Popular Traditions as well as Taormina’s tourist information office. The latter is in a new section of the building, added in 1960.
Address: Largo Santa Caterina, Taormina, Sicily, Italy
From $ 92
Palatine Museum at Palatine Hill (Museo Palatino)
The whole of Palatine Hill could be considered an open-air museum, with its remains of palaces and villas dating from the Roman Empire. Within this area, however, there is also a dedicated Palatine Museum (Museo Palatino) where you can see the wealth of ancient Roman artifacts unearthed from the hillside over decades of excavation.
The Basics
The archaeological remains located on Rome’s Palatine Hill are among the most fascinating in Italy, but the treasures recovered during excavations here are kept inside the Palatine Museum. This hilltop museum is home to a collection of artifacts, sculptures, frescoes, and mosaics dating from long before the city of Rome was officially founded to the golden age of the Palatine Hill in the first and second centuries. Also on display is an interesting reconstruction of the huts where Romulus, founder of Rome, and his brother Remus lived.
To best understand the archaeological ruins on Palatine Hill and the artifacts inside the museum, book a private tour led by an expert guide that includes the area’s most important imperial palaces—Emperor Domitian’s Domus Flavia, the House of Augustus, the Casa di Livia, and the Domus Augustana—and the Palatine Museum. You can combine many Palatine Hill and Museum tours with stops at the nearby Roman Forum and Colosseum, with a single ticket for access to all three sites.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Palatine Hill and the Palatine Museum are especially interesting for Roman history buffs.
- Older kids can also enjoy Ancient Rome tours of the Forum and Palatine Hill, especially when accompanied by an engaging guide.
- The site offers great views over the Roman Forum, so be sure to bring your camera.
- There is a lot of ground to cover in both the archaeological site and museum, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Large bags and backpacks are not allowed in the Palatine Hill site or museum.
- The site is not recommended for wheelchairs or strollers due to the rough terrain, but the museum is accessible.
How to Get There
The Palatine Museum is located on Palatine Hill just above the Roman Forum, with entrance from Via di San Gregorio. The nearest metro stop is Colosseo along line B.
When to Get There
Most of the archaeological ruins on Palatine Hill are outdoors, so it’s best to visit on a clear day. The museum collections are indoors, but you should visit both the park and museum in one go.
History of the Palatino Museum
The museum was first opened in the 1930s by the Italian archaeologist Alfonso Bartoli, who gathered artifacts found in the surrounding excavation site in this former 19th-century convent. After a long closure after World War II, the museum was renovated and reopened in the late 1960s.
Address: Via San Gregorio, 30, Rome, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 70
Palazzo Davanzati
This ancient home grants a peek into history going back to the Middle Ages, and is a way to experience the wealthy merchant homes of the Renaissance era. It was built by the Davizzi family in the mid-14th century and later purchased by the Davanzatis in the 16th century. With three towers and five stories, it is decorated from floor to ceiling — complete with period furniture and frescoed walls. There are both medieval and Renaissance architectural elements, allowing for a comparison of the two styles and the history of the transition.
The traditional layout of the home makes it a magnificent example of a medieval Florentine home. Some of its highlights include a central courtyard, stone and wood staircase, and underground gallery. Historic art, lace, furnishings and even coats-of-arms throughout the palace demonstrate the trends and styles as they have progressed through the ages.
Practical Info
The Palazzo can be found at Via Porta Rossa 13 in Florence. It is open daily from 8:15 am to 1:50 pm. It is closed some Sundays and Mondays, so it is better to check before heading out. Admission costs €2.
Address: Via Porta Rossa, 13, Florence 50123, Italy
Admission: €2
From $ 16
Palazzo Mocenigo
Palazzo Mocenigo in Venice was built in the late Renaissance period and was extensively rebuilt in a Gothic style in the early 17th century. It was once the home of the Mocenigo family, a prestigious family in Venice, and seven members of the family became doges between 1414 and 1778. The last descendent of the Mocenigo family left the palace to the city in order for it to become a museum, which opened in 1985 and became the Study Center of the History of Fabrics and Costumes.
Aside from large collections of ancient fabrics and clothes, the museum also has a library that houses books on the history of fabrics, costumes, and fashion. The exhibition area shows different aspects of the life and activities of a Venetian nobleman during the 17th and 18th centuries. There is also a new exhibit focusing on the history of perfumes and essences.
Practical Info
Palazzo Mocenigo is located at Santa Croce 1992. Entrance is 8 euros.
Address: Santa Croce 1992, Venice, Italy
Admission: Admission: 8 euros
From $ 9
Palazzo Te
Palazzo Te is a half-hour’s enjoyable walk from the heart of gorgeous Mantua, a wonderfully OTT summer palace built for Federico II Gonzaga between 1525 and 1535. Designed by Renaissance architect Giulio di Piero Pippi de’ Iannuzzi (known as Romano), the palace was Federico’s retreat from royal life, which centered on the Palazzo Ducale in Piazza Sordello. A seemingly endless series of lavishly adorned apartments were decorated by leading artists of the day and reflect his pet obsessions with love, horses and astrology, from statuesque equine portraits in the Hall of the Horses to alarmingly suggestive frescoes by Romano in the Chamber of Amor and Psyche.
The palazzo was also built to remind the great unwashed of Mantua who held political supremacy over them; the vast and fantastically ornate Sala dei Giganti (Room of the Giants) is a metaphor for Gonazga power, which sees Titan overthrown by the gods in a dazzling trompe l’oeil that creates the illusion that the ceiling is collapsing. Tucked away among the upper floors of Palazzo Te is the town’s Museo Civico, where displays include a jumble of armory, medals, coins and Egyptian artifacts along with Gonzaga family portraits by 20th-century artist Armando Spadini.
The extensive formal gardens include loggias, a shell-encrusted grotto, stuccowork cloisters, fish ponds and Federico’s pretty garden retreat.
Practical Info
Viale Te 13, Mantua. Admission adults €10, seniors €7, ages 12–18 and students €3.50, free for under 12. Open Mon 1pm–6pm; Tue–Sun
9am–6pm. Best reached on foot from central Mantua.
Address: Viale Te 13, Mantua, Lombardy 46100, Italy
Hours: Mon 1pm–6pm; Tue–Sun 9am–6pm
Admission: Adults €10, Seniors €7, ages 12–18 and students €3.50, free for under 12
From $ 127
Palazzo Farnese
Palazzo Farnese is one of the most majestic Renaissance palaces in Rome, built with the collaboration of architects including Antonio da Sangallo the Younger and Michelangelo and frescoed by Carracci and other 16th-century artists. Originally residence of the noble Farnese family, the palace is now seat of the French embassy.
The Basics
Alessandro Farnese commissioned Palazzo Farnese in the 16th century, and the building was expanded to its current size after he became Pope Paul III in 1534, with adornments like Michelangelo’s ornate central window that served as the facade’s focal point and dramatic backdrop for the pope’s public appearances overlooking Piazza Farnese. Today visitors can admire the palazzo’s ornate interiors including Sangallo’s atrium, the Carracci Gallery, and the Hercules salon with tapestries inspired by Raffaello’s frescos, and the courtyard and garden.
Palace visits are only by guided tour on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and must be booked at least a week ahead of time. View the palace from the outside on a walking, e-bike, or Vespa Rome highlights tour that includes sights such as the Quirinale Palace, Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, and the Spanish Steps. Sightseeing tours can easily be combined with skip-the-line tickets to the Colosseum and Vatican Museums.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Palace visits require a security check and each visitor must carry a valid ID that matches the name on the reservation.
- Children under 10 are not allowed.
- The palace is not accessible to wheelchair users.
- Photography and filming are prohibited during the tour.
How to Get There
Palazzo Farnese is located on Piazza Farnese in Rome’s historic center, an easy walk from the busy Largo di Torre Argentina, where a number of city buses stop.
When to Get There
The palace is only open to the public for guided tours booked in advance. To view the palace from the outside, stroll through Piazza Farnese in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is particularly pretty, or at night when the palace is dramatically lit.
The Farnese Family Legacy
The Farnese family was one of the most influential in Rome during the Renaissance and included a number of dukes as well as a pope. In addition to its political and economic power, the family was famous for its extensive sculpture collection, known as the “Farnese Marbles,” portions of which are housed in Naples in the National Archaeological Museum and the Capodimonte Museum.
Address: Palazzo Farnese, 67, Rome, Province of Rome 00100, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 41
Palazzo di Montecitorio
The Palazzo di Montecitorio is the seat of the Chamber of Deputies, the house of Italy’s parliament. It was completed under Pope Innocent X in 1650, designed by Bernini and afterwards expanded by Carlo Fontana. It was the pope's vision to house the Pontifical Curia here, but the building ended up serving a variety of functions over the years until it became the seat of the Chamber of Deputies later on. Although the look of the building has changed over the years and it got a makeover in the Art Nouveau style in the early 20th century, the clock tower, column, window sills and the baroque Bernini façade remain the same.
A newer addition is the long salon, where informal political discussions and agreements take place, leading to it being referred to as the informal center of Italian politics. The salon’s name, Transatlantico, refers to a construction company from Palermo. Although they did a great job on the decorations and the interior design, they were, at the time, best known for working on passenger ships.
Practical Info
The Palazzo is located in the center of Rome between the Piazza Montecitoria and the Piazza del Parlamento. The closest metro stations are Barberini, Repubblica, Termini and Colosseo, although they are all quite a distance away. It’s easiest to take the metro to the Repubblica stop and then hop on bus 85 or 175 to Corso/Minghetti. There are open-door days, which usually take place on the first Sunday of the month and allow people to visit without booking in advance.
Address: Piazza di Montecitorio, Rome, Italy
Hours: Open to the public on the first Sunday of the month
From $ 29
Palazzo Carignano
The Piazza Carignano is one of Turin’s most majestic squares and is overlooked by the equally handsome, redbrick and white alabaster palace of the same name. Built between 1679 and 1685 by Baroque maestro Guarino Guarini as one of the royal homes of the ruling Savoy dukes, the Palazzo Carignano gained huge national significance when in 1861 it became the occasional home of Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II, following the Unification struggles that began in 1848. The palazzo now houses the Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento as well as the elaborate, circular meeting rooms that were briefly the location of Italy’s first united government, which was formed in 1861 and lasted four years.
Palazzo Carignano first became a museum in 1908; it was originally housed in the Mole Antonelliana – now the city’s film museum – but moved to its present site in 1938. After a period of closure for the revamping of the collections, it reopened in 2011 and now showcases the events that brought about the Risorgimento (literally ‘resurgence’ in English), with a series of 30 ornately decorated apartments leading chronologically through the various military and political battles as the country headed towards unification. Displays of uniforms, dramatic equine portraits of war heroes, weapons, flags, maps, and correspondence reveal feats of bravery as visitors discover the disjointed, disillusioned Italy of the 19th century, accompanied by informative multi-lingual films giving the background to each stage of the campaign.
Practical Info
Palazzo Carignano is located at Via Accademia delle Scienze, 5. Admission costs €10 for adults, €8 for seniors, €5 for students, €2.50 for children and is free for those 6 and under. The site is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm, and Tram 13 and 15 can get you there.
Address: Via Accademia delle Scienze, 5, Torino, Italy
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
Admission: Adults €10, Seniors €8, Students €5, Kids €2.50, Under 6 Free
From $ 58
Palazzo Corsini
Not to be confused with Florence's Palazzo Corsini, Rome's own Palazzo Corsini and the land it sits on changed hands many times over the centuries before coming to house the offices of the National Academy of Science and first-floor Corsini Gallery as it does today. Surrounded by formal gardens, the Baroque palace's gallery exhibits Italian art with Renaissance showstoppers such as Caravaggio's St John the Baptist (1606), St Sebastian (1614) by Rubens and works by Guido Reni, Fra'Angelico and Carracci. In addition, late 18th-century pieces, historical art and landscape paintings are included.
Otherwise known as the National Gallery of Antique Art or the Galleria Corsini, this gallery is somewhat of a hidden gem with its light crowds and extensive collection of ancient art. Travelers will love exploring the manicured grounds and can note that the gallery's Roman sister collections include Palazzo Barberini and Galleria Borghese.
Practical Info
Located at Via della Lungara 10 in the Trastevere section of Rome, the site sits next to the Villa Farnesina. The Palazzo Corsini is open Wednesday through Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Travelers can walk here from Piazza Santa Maria or catch buses 8, 23, 116, 125 or 280.
Address: Via della Lungara 10, Trastevere, Rome, Lazio, Italy
Hours: Wednesday-Monday 8:30am–7:30pm.
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya
Plaça de Sant Jaume’s Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya is much more than just a building with a pretty neoclassical façade: this is the seat of the Catalan government, from where 100 presidents have governed. Constructed between the 15th and 17th centuries, the building is a symbol of Catalan perseverance, having stood the test of time through many historic challenges.
It’s not just special because of its history, either. Apart from the attractive dome-topped exterior, its interior is perhaps even more impressive. It features a Gothic chapel, elaborate ceremonial halls, loads of paintings and sculptures, and a sunlight-filled Courtyard of Orange Trees, or Pati dels Tarongers — among other Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance elements.
Practical Info
While the interior is considered by many to be the highlight of the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya, it is only open to the public the second and fourth weekends of the month (except in August). It is only visit-able via prescheduled guided tour (which lasts roughly an hour), so be sure to book online in advance via the Generalitat’s website.
Address: Plaça de Sant Jaume, 4, Barcelona, Catalonia 08002, Spain
From $ 68
Palazzo Lombardia
While most palazzos are historic, Milan's Palazzo Lombardia is modern skyscraper. Completed in 2010, the building reigned as the tallest building in all of Italy at 529 feet (161 meters) tall for about a year until another Milan skyscraper was built in 2011.
Today, the Palazzo Lombardia serves as the headquarters for Lombardy's government. Even with that main administrative purpose, the ground level is open to the public with shops, restaurants, bars, and even an auditorium for performances.
Practical Info
Palazzo Lombardia, also called Regione Lombardia, is located on Via Melchiorre Gioia in the Porta Nuova district to the north of Milan's city center.
Address: Piazza Città di Lombardia, 1, Milano 20124, Italy
From $ 75
Palau Sant Jordi
There are many reasons to head up to Montjuïc hill’s Olympic Ring, and Palau Sant Jordi is certainly one of them. Designed for the 1992 Olympics, the indoor stadium played host to events including gymnastics, handball, volleyball, as well as various competitions during the Paralympics.
On the outside the structure looks like a square spaceship of sorts, and on the inside it’s nothing but beautiful light that pours through the building’s famous window-checkered ceiling. Today the stadium — which can hold over 16,000 people — still hosts top sports competitions, as well as events, and high-profile concerts for artists ranging from U2 to Bruce Springsteen and Rihanna. Go there to see a show yourself, or simply to admire Palau Sant Jordi’s exterior as you explore the Olympic Ring and its other sights, including the Olympic Stadium and Esplanade.
Practical Info
Though easily reachable by public bus, hop-on hop-off bus, taxi, and even by foot (via the escalators accessed from Plaça Espanya), getting back from Palau Sant Jordi after a nighttime event can be a bit complicated. As such, be sure to develop your transportation plan in advance. Also note that this area is fairly isolated, with few food-and-drink options outside of the venue itself.
Address: Passeig Olímpic, 5-7, Barcelona, Catalonia 08038, Spain
From $ 57
Palazzo Reale
Elegant Turin, which was the seat of the Duchy of Savoy before briefly becoming the first capital of unified Italy, is home to a number of sumptuous historic palaces and castles. The Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) is among the most opulent, and today it houses the Royal Museums, with an extensive art collection, armory, and gardens.
The Basics
Originally the Bishop’s Palace, the Palazzo Reale was taken over by Duke Emmanuel Philibert when the city became the Savoy capital, and was expanded and embellished following the marriage of Victor Amadeus to the French Princess Christine Marie during the 17th century. The princess and architect Filippo Juvarra added a number of features, including the Scala delle Forbici staircase and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, to house the Shroud of Turin.
Today, you can see firsthand how the European aristocracy lived by visiting the palace’s richly decorated rooms filled with tapestries and artwork. The Palace is also home to an armory, the Sabauda art gallery, Royal Library, Archaeological Museum, and Royal Gardens. A visit to the Royal Palace and gardens is included in most Turin small-group walking tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Inside the Royal Museums, there is a cafeteria, restrooms, and a locker room where large bags and backpacks must be stored.
- There are two wheelchair-accessible entrances: one on Piazzetta Reale and one on Piazza San Giovanni.
- Visitors may take photographs without flash or tripods inside the Royal Museums.
- Modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required to enter the Chapel of the Holy Shroud.
- Admission to the Royal Gardens and reading room in the Royal Library is free; there is a single ticket for access to all the museums in the Royal Palace complex.
How to Get There
The Royal Palace is located on Piazza Castello, a short walk from the Porta Nuova train station. From the nearby city of Milan, you can take a day trip to Turin via the high-speed train that runs between these two capitals.
When to Get There
Though the Royal Palace museum complex stays open until 7:30pm, there is a lot of ground to cover and it takes at least two hours to visit, so plan to begin your visit by the late afternoon. The complex is closed Monday; the library is closed Sunday.
The House of Savoy’s Controversial Shroud
The Holy Shroud, housed in a chapel adjoining the palace and cathedral, has been the subject of debate by theologians and historians for centuries, because its authenticity as the cloth laid over Jesus’ body after his crucifixion has never been officially recognized by the Catholic Church. However, this doesn’t deter the thousands of faithful and curious who come to view this religious relic on the rare occasions when it is shown publicly.
Address: Turin, Italy
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Palazzo Strozzi
One of the finest examples of renaissance architecture in Florence, Palazzo Strozzi was built in the 15th century for the wealthy Strozzi family and today serves as an exhibition space hosting some of the city’s most prestigious shows. Though not among Florence’s most famous venues, it will appeal to visiting art aficionados.
The Basics
Occupying an entire city block in the historic center of Florence, this imposing stone palace has large upstairs galleries and halls that have hosted exhibitions of artists from Cézanne to Ai Weiwei. The elegant central courtyard also hosts temporary art installations as well as concerts, films, and cultural activities in the summer.
Walking, bike, and Segway tours of Florence highlights generally stop by Palazzo Strozzi to admire its renaissance architecture, but art lovers should book skip-the-line tickets in advance to enter. Many small-group and private tours of Florence also include famous nearby attractions such as the Duomo, Uffizi, and Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Photography is allowed in the special exhibitions; video is not.
- Disabled access to Palazzo Strozzi is on Via Strozzi; the upstairs galleries are accessible via an elevator.
- Large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas must be left at the free coat check.
- There is a café located in the Palazzo Strozzi courtyard.
How to Get There
Palazzo Strozzi is located on Piazza Strozzi in the center of Florence, just a 5-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella train station.
When to Get There
The internal courtyard at Palazzo Strozzi is open daily until 11pm; the upstairs galleries and halls are only open for events and exhibitions.
The Strozzi-Medici Rivalry
Locked in a complicated political and financial rivalry with the Medici family for decades, the Strozzi family was one of the most powerful in Florence until their exile in 1434. In 1466, Filippo Strozzi was able to consolidate enough wealth and power to re-enter the city, and his first step was to build Palazzo Strozzi. The residence was designed to resemble the Palazzo Medici but surpass it in size and elegance as a clear architectural and political statement to the citizens of Florence.
Address: Piazza degli Strozzi, Florence 50123, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Palazzo Mirto
The Palazzo Mirto in the historic Kalsa district of Palermo is one of the only aristocratic homes from the 17th century that is not only intact but also open to the public.
In the late 18th century, the Palazzo Mirto was built on what was once the foundation of a building dating from the 13th century. The palace was built for a wealthy family as their residence, which is exactly what it was until 1982. At that point, the family that lived there - the Lanza Filangieri family, princes of the nearby town of Mirto - gave the palace to the government of Sicily.
Today, the Palazzo Mirto is kept in the fashion of an 18th or 19th century aristocrat’s home. Many of the palace’s rooms are decorated with furniture and artwork that was originally owned by the Lanza Filangieri family, so in some cases these pieces have occupied the Palazzo Mirto for centuries.
In the late 18th century, the Palazzo Mirto was built on what was once the foundation of a building dating from the 13th century. The palace was built for a wealthy family as their residence, which is exactly what it was until 1982. At that point, the family that lived there - the Lanza Filangieri family, princes of the nearby town of Mirto - gave the palace to the government of Sicily.
Today, the Palazzo Mirto is kept in the fashion of an 18th or 19th century aristocrat’s home. Many of the palace’s rooms are decorated with furniture and artwork that was originally owned by the Lanza Filangieri family, so in some cases these pieces have occupied the Palazzo Mirto for centuries.
Practical Info
There are several stories and rooms to explore, including a smoking room with a leather floor, Murano glass chandeliers in multiple rooms, and the lavishly decorated “Chinese Salon,” with silk wallpaper and black lacquer furniture.
Address: Via Merlo, 2, Palermo, 90133, Italy
From $ 115