Piazza & Fontana Pretoria Tours and Activities
801 Reviews
Palermo’s most famous piazza, the Piazza Pretoria, is just a few steps from the busy Quattro Canti - but a world away in terms of the kind of piazza experience it delivers.
The centerpiece of the Piazza Pretoria is the fountain, known as the Fontana Pretoria. It’s huge, designed in the 1550s by a sculptor from Florence named Camilliani. The fountain was originally commissioned for a private villa in Tuscany, but was gifted to the city of Palermo in 1574. City officials had razed several homes to make way for a grand fountain, meant to show off Palermo’s impressive city plumbing, but locals weren’t quite prepared for the fountain’s decorations when it was unveiled.
There are 16 figures on the Fontana Pretoria, all of which are entirely or partially nude, that circle the fountain. There is no side from which you can simply enjoy the water itself without seeing a nude statue - which many Palermitans in the late 16th century found scandalous. There are two churches facing the Piazza Pretoria - Santa Caterina and San Giuseppe dei Teatini - which may have added to the perceived inappropriate nature of the fountain’s decor.
Piazza Pretoria, Palermo
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Palermo Old Town Bike Tour
92
Capital of Sicily, Palermo is a city of rich history and impressive architecture—with hidden secrets round every corner. On this bike tour, hop onto the saddle, escape the tourist trail with your guide, and see sides of Palermo many visitors miss. Spin along peaceful back-streets and through pretty squares, sample Sicilian street food, and experience life in Palermo away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist traps.
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From
$50.50
Price varies by group size
From
$50.50
Price varies by group size
Walking Tour and street food Tour Palermo
256
My group walking tour is a mix of history, art, monuments and food tasting. In the first part of the Walking Tour we will visit the old town with its monuments and churches, and in the second part we will explore the big food market where we will taste the famous street food of Palermo (as arancini, fresh juice, pizza, etc). This group tour is in english and italian.
Il mio tour di gruppo e' un mix di storia, arte, monumenti e assaggio di cibo di strada tipico. Nella prima parte del tour visiteremo il centro storico con I suoi monumenti e chiese e nella seconda parte del tour visiteremo il grande mercato all'aperto dove si potranno assaggiare I prodotti tipici dello street food palermitano come l'arancina, le spremute fresche, sfincione, ecc.
Questo tour di gruppo e' in inglese ed in italiano.
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From
$43.61
From
$43.61
Discover Palermo
67
Palermo is a fascinating city with almost 3,000 years of history. Explore its glorious past and delve into its vibrant present with this walking tour that takes in the city’s sumptuous churches and squares, as well as the bustling landmark markets where locals still shop today. Admire A-list sights like the Teatro Massimo, cathedral, and Piazza Pretorio and stroll down lively Via Vittorio Emanuele and through Mercato del Capo.
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From
$43.61
From
$43.61
Markets and Monuments: Walking Tour in the Center of Palermo
55
Explore the historic center of Palermo on a 3-hour walking tour led by a knowledgeable guide. Learn about the city’s history as you see landmarks including Teatro Massimo, the Palermo Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Palermo (Palazzo dei Normanni)— part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop by the Chiesa del Gesù (Casa Professa), an elaborate 16th-century church, and view the Palazzo Pretorio (Palace of the Eagles). Stroll around the Piazza Pretoria and Piazza Bellini, and browse tempting treats in renowned food markets that offer Sicilian cuisine.
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From
$36.73
Price varies by group size
From
$36.73
Price varies by group size
Agrigento and Valley of the Temples Day Trip from Palermo
32
Spend a day exploring the ancient sights of the Valley of the Temples with this day trip from Palermo. Travel to Agrigento for a quick coffee break (own expense) before visiting the fascinating site for a 1-hour tour. See the temples of Hera, Concordia and Apollo. Take a midday break for lunch (own expense) before stopping at the archaeology museum for a 1-hour self-guided visit.
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From
$74.45
From
$74.45
Palermo Street Food Walking Tour
776
Snack your way through the streets of Palermo on this Sicilian food tour. Explore backstreet markets and food stalls specializing in local delicacies like stuffed rice balls and chickpea fritters as your guide fills you in on local history, culture. Plus, this small-group tour has a limited number of participants for a more personalized experience.
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From
$61.98
From
$61.98
Palermo No Mafia walking tour: discover the Anti-mafia culture in Sicily
177
Explore Palermo’s key sights on foot on this walking tour of the Sicilian capital. Meet your guide in a convenient location in central Palermo, and set off. Visit popular landmarks ranging from the Palermo Cathedral and Palazzo Pretorio to the Massimo Theater. Learn about the city’s long entanglement with the mafia, and meet the shopkeepers and other individuals who have pioneered a local anti-mafia movement.
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From
$35.58
From
$35.58
Segesta Erice and Salt Pans Full Day Excursion
26
Visit some of the most beautiful parts of Western Sicily with this day trip from Palermo to Erice, Segesta, Nubia and the Trapani Salt Pans. Visit an archaeological excavation at Segesta. Take in the excellent views from the hilltop town of Erice. See how sea salt is still collected off the Sicilian coast at the Salt Pans of Trapani.
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From
$74.45
From
$74.45
Monreale And Cefalù Half Day Excursion
37
Spend time exploring the glorious Duomo of Monreale, Cathedral and Cloister and the Medieval town of Cefalù during this half-day trip from Palermo. Travel to Monreale for a 1-hour Duomo tour. Next, travel to charming Cefalù for a tour that includes the Duomo, Medieval lavatory, Mandralisca Museum and more.
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From
$74.45
From
$74.45
Etna And Taormina Full Day Excursion from Palermo
3
Spend an unforgettable day exploring Mt Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, on this day trip from Palermo. See the looming mountain up close and learn about its unique landscapes, studied since the Greek period.
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From
$130.29
From
$130.29
Palermo Cooking Class and Lunch
8
Palermo is known for its distinctive cuisine, still served overwhelmingly in private homes that are not accessible to most visitors. With this cooking class, explore the city’s culinary landscape with a guided visit through a historic Capo market followed by a hands-on lesson to prepare classic dishes with the help of a local chef. Make a full meal from appetizer to dessert, and then sample your handiwork over lunch.
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From
$105.76
From
$105.76
Private Monreale, Cefalù & Castelbuono Tour, from Palermo area
12
On this full-day tour from Palermo, you’ll be driven to three of Sicily’s most stunning and history-packed destinations. Enjoy free time to explore the castle town of Castelbuono, the hillside town of Monreale, and the originally Greek seaside hub of Cefalu. Discover the region’s Arab-Norman roots with optional visits to the opulent Cappella Palatina and 14th-century Castelbuono.
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From
$209.70
Price varies by group size
From
$209.70
Price varies by group size
Exclusive tour of Palermo
52
✅ Very small groups: max. 6 people
✅ Get a general view on Palermo and its secrets with a unique point of view, with our passion and expertise!
✅ Visit the monumental area
✅ Explore the hidden streets, and enter the area of one of the Streets Markets, the kingdom of the Street Food!
✅ Let's speak about social dynamics and contrasts of the city
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From
$74.60
Price varies by group size
From
$74.60
Price varies by group size
Tuk tuk ride, ape car
41
The ape car tour allows us in a short time, given the small size of the vehicle, to get to know them
most hidden corners of the city in a very comfortable and nice way making a summary of the city! With
the possibility for those who have more time to be able to customize their tours.
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From
$99.27
per group
From
$99.27
per group
Palermo and Cefalù Day Trip from Taormina
30
Say arrivaderci for the day to Taormina and spend some time in Palermo and Cefalù on this intriguing guided day trip. Discover the unique architecture, influenced by the Normans and the Arabs, and learn about the long and interesting history of both places. With your expert local guide, stroll the streets of both cities, taking in the Il Capo market in Palermo and the main cathedral in Cefalù.
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From
$63.12
From
$63.12
Palermo Virtual Tour: Gone Travelers!
15
It’s day February 31st, 2020. All tourists have disappeared from the streets of Palermo. What happened to them? Have they left? Have they been kidnapped or trapped in a Trattoria?
Sit back on your sofa and follow a Sicilian tour guide roaming the streets of Palermo in search of his travelers. Our guide will connect live on ZOOM to lead you through this adventure acting as a real time voice over. As the movie roll on, our guide will tell you about the city, its long history, its fine art and rich culture. We will pull you into virtual Palermo and project you into a food market to discuss traditional foods and recipes. All of this will happen without never losing focus on the plot of the story. To solve the case, our tour guide will have to walk around the monumental streets of the city but the magic will happen into the dark backstreets of the city center.
NB: TICKET PRICE IS MEANT TO BE "PER SCREEN".
THE TIME INDICATED IN THE CALENDAR IS ROME TIME.
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From
$13.77
From
$13.77
Private City Kickstart Tour: Palermo
13
Receive a warm welcome to Palermo on a private tour that will kick off your time in the city in the best way possible! In only 90 minutes, a local guide will get you acquainted with Palermo to help you enjoy the rest of your stay to the fullest.
Discover where to find Palazzo Reale and Quattro Canti, and how to explore them away from the crowds. And what about that unique family-owned restaurant or that amazing local hotspot? We got you covered; the local guides are experts in the subject! Forget about touristy traps; on this city kickstart tour, your guide will point you in the right direction.
Private City Kickstart Tour: Palermo is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.
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From
$58.53
Price varies by group size
From
$58.53
Price varies by group size
Great Full Day Excursion in Sicily to Cefalù and Castelbuono From Palermo
12
See two of northern Sicily’s most characterful destinations when you embark on this full-day trip from Palermo. In the morning, your guide picks you up from your accommodation; board an air-conditioned minivan and head to the medieval village of Castelbuono, located in the Madonie Mountains. See the Castle of Ventimiglia and visit a local pastry shop before continuing to Cefalù, home to a UNESCO-listed cathedral and impeccable seaside views.
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From
$281.19
Price varies by group size
From
$281.19
Price varies by group size
A walk among the monuments and markets of Palermo
11
The tour explores both the historical, architectural and cultural aspects of the city.
Through the visit of the main monuments and tastings of typical local products (street food) you will be able to grasp the essence of the city.
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From
$68.86
From
$68.86
CSTRents - Palermo Segway PT Authorized Tour
10
Forget your feet and abandon the automobile, the best way to see Palermo is via Segway. Smoothly cruise around town upright and on two wheels with your expert guide going from legendary landmark to spectacular site, and stopping at each spot to learn about its history. Head through the bustling Capo Market where some of the best street food in Sicily is sold, pass by the Gallery of Modern Art and discover the rich architectural heritage of a town that has been strongly influenced through the centuries by everyone from the Arabs to the Vikings.
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From
$113.62
Price varies by group size
From
$113.62
Price varies by group size
Chef-led Palermo Market Tours
8
What makes this experience stand apart from others is the benefit of having a chef by your side. As someone who shops daily in the markets, I have the expertise and experience to properly explain the importance of seasonal and regional cuisine, traditional recipes, and the island's most treasured artisanal products. Our interactions with trusted purveyors are enjoyable because the people we work with and choose to support are kind, knowledgable, and reliable. Personal connections are very important here in Sicily. Respect for the people, culture, and land are our utmost priorities.
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From
$174.96
From
$174.96
The Real Deal of Palermo: Private Kalsa District Tourwith a Local
7
For a glimpse into Palermo’s historical past, look no further than the medieval Kalsa District. Formed over a thousand years ago during the time of Arab rule, numerous kingdoms have left their mark on this remarkable section of Palermo. The result is one of the most culturally unique places to explore in Palermo with beautiful architecture, tasty cuisine, and a charm all its own.
On this private tour, you’ll see its resilience for yourself by visiting its lively squares forming hubs of local entertainment. That classic aperitivo culture is in full effect in Piazza Rivoluzione and Piazza Sant’Anna, and you’ll see it firsthand.
The Norman era produced iconic pieces of architecture, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that your local host will show you. From Arab-Norman times to Baroque and Gothic styles, you’ll be amazed at the beautiful palaces and churches on display!
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From
$47.06
Price varies by group size
From
$47.06
Price varies by group size
Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Palermo Private Tour
6
This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Palermo from a unique perspective! Get to know Palermo on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, with city highlights, hidden gems, storytelling, and a local treat - this tour has it all!
Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Palermo at its best but from the eyes of a local. Check out main landmarks like Teatro Massimo, Piazza Pretoria and Fontana Pretoria, Palazzo Reale, and uncover hidden gems and city secrets with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. And the cherry on top, a local treat is included.
Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.
…More
From
$66.57
Price varies by group size
From
$66.57
Price varies by group size
Palermo Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience
6
Explore the historic center of Palermo and stop to taste carefully selected local delicacies. Expect to make 5 different stops over the course of 3 hours as you chat with your knowledgeable guide about Sicilian history and culture. Learn about the preparation of various dishes, the stories behind Palermo restaurants, and more.
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From
$71.16
From
$71.16
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- Vucciria Market (La Vucciria)
- Martorana
- Church of the Gesù (Chiesa del Gesù)
- Ballarò Market (Mercato Ballarò)
- Palermo Cathedral (Cattedrale di Palermo)
- Mirto Palace House Museum (Palazzo Mirto Casa Museo)
- Opera Dei Pupi (Rod Marionette Theatre)
- Massimo Opera House (Teatro Massimo)
- Branciforte Palace (Palazzo Branciforte)
- Chiaramonte-Steri Palace (Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri)
- Capo Market (Mercato di Capo)
- Palatine Chapel (Capella Palatina)
- Four Corners (Quattro Canti)
- Politeama Garibaldi Theater (Teatro Politeama Garibaldi)
- Palermo Cruise Port (Terminal Crociere di Palermo)