The Norman Conquest brought lions, the Roman general of Sciopio Africanus gifted the symbol of Genius of Palermo (Genio di Palermo), a crowned man holding a snake that feeds on his chest. acknowledgement, Medusa's head surrounded by three legs signifying the island's fertility and protection. These are the many layers of Sicily's Palermo.
Phoenicians, Romans, the Vandals & Byzantines .. reconstruction under Arab rule, further development in the Norman ara, the modern state under the German Staufer Frederick II - then the Socilian Vespers and Spanish Domination, the connection to the newly constructed Italian Kingdom, WWII bombing and destruction leading to a Mafia stronghold leading to a safe and relient cultural capital of today.
What does this mean for you .. hard to say. It's old, it's rough around the edges and it is magnetic! The city changes little, but there are changes and in recently years, parts of Palermo are getting a makeover. People like me who do not like change, these moments offer discomfort and lacking of discernment. Since I've seen it, crumbled buildings left from WWII still remain and the building facades in an eternal state of decay - at least I thought. Now, more and more buildings are being renovated, and that makes me sad.
But not all is lost! People, like me, change much, much slower than the the aesthetics of a few new-ish buildings. The city is boiling, it is a live. And you just have to wonder further from the center of the city to find it's authentic nature. Explore the temples, i.e churches and get a show at the opera. Learn the history and drink as many Spritzs in plastic cups as you can.
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