Description of the attraction
Via Liberta is one of the ancient streets of Palermo, along which there are many historical sights popular with tourists. It is here that Monte Pellegrino, the Crown-shaped Mount of the Pilgrims, is located. It offers an incredible view of Palermo and the Tyrrhenian Sea, and not far from the top is the temple of Saint Rosalia, the patroness of the city. A serpentine road leads to it, winding through thickets of Mediterranean pines. Saint Rosalia, who has been worshiped for several centuries, led the life of a hermit on this mountain and here she worked her miracles.
Another interesting building of Via Liberta is the Chinese Villa, designed for the ruler of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies Ferdinando I. He was in Palermo at the time when the capital of the kingdom - Naples - was captured by French troops. The architect of the villa, Marvulya, built it and the surrounding garden in the style of the "Chinese Renaissance" with elements of the neoclassical style. In those years, it was one of the largest "eastern" estates in Europe, where the crowned persons liked to stay, in particular the Queen of Austria Maria Carolina.
Next to Villa China is the Favorita Park, which lies in the shadow of Monte Pellegrino. The name of the park is translated as "Royal" - once on its territory members of the noble families of Palermo and Sicily hunted. Today, numerous hares and migratory birds can be seen here. Part of the park is Villa Nishemi - the palace of one of the former aristocratic families of the city, which now houses the mayor's residence. In the near future, a football stadium will be built in the eastern part of the park.
A short walk from Favorita, on the west side of Monte Pellegrino, lies Mondello Beach with many restaurants serving the freshest seafood. It is especially crowded here on weekends, so if you want some privacy, it is better to go to the Sferracavallo beach, which lies a little further.
Finally, you should pay attention to Villa Trabia, located in the vicinity of Via Liberta near Piazza Croci. This is one of the few aristocratic villas in Palermo open to the public. It was built for Prince Trabia in the 18th century and has come down to us almost unchanged.
