Emerico Amari Apartment

On the slopes of Mount Caputo, a stone’s throw from Palermo lies the Norman town of Monreale. A wonderful place full of history, like an open-air museum. What makes it famous and recognisable is certainly its majestic cathedral, dedicated to Santa Maria la Nova, in Arab-Norman style.
The second most important Byzantine work in the world and part of the Unesco heritage. The town is built around this jewel, and it is interesting to walk through its streets and note how different ethnic groups contributed to its enrichment; such as Arabs, Byzantines, Normans and Spaniards.
Adjacent to the cathedral is the monastery of San Benedetto, just a few steps away is the diocesan museum with its frescoes, and its great highlight is the belvedere over the entire valley of the ‘Conca d’oro’, a magical view of the city of Palermo and surrounding areas.

Just a few steps from Palermo is Bagheria. Known historically as one of the most popular destinations for noble families for their summer holidays. This is why it is called ‘the city of villas’;
Today, in fact, the main attractions include a considerable number of villas in majestic Baroque style. The natural and unspoilt landscape offers the possibility of spending unforgettable days at the seaside, accessing picturesque coves or purely maritime locations such as the Bay of the French, Capo Zafferano, Porticello, Sant’Elia and Aspra.

The Madonie park is one of Sicily’s most important historical, cultural and natural heritage sites. Its rocky impact, in contrast to the coastal strip, makes this place unique and allows countless species of fauna and flora to live in protection in a continuous evolution. Even among the highest peaks, there are ancient monasteries, ruins and evidence of dwellings dating back to prehistoric times. This geo park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are various activities to be enjoyed, such as excursions to the Tiberio gorges, walks to sanctuaries and assisted trekking.

Castelbuono is one of the most beautiful villages on the island, thanks to its strategic location and the perfect combination of art and nature. Of Byzantine origin, it has countless priceless historical buildings. Strolling through the streets of the centre, one can see the different types of architecture linked to the change of ethnic groups, and the emerging talent of young artists is highly valued by dedicating special galleries to them. The central square is dominated by the large Old Matrix Church, with its Gothic bell tower, a place of great curiosity. Rising inland and being part of the Madonie Park, the surrounding nature makes the air fresh and pleasant and offers a great quality of life.

Located at the foot of the Madonie Park, in the Province of Palermo, are two atypical villages according to Sicilian tourist traditions: Petralia Soprana and Petralia Sottana; mountainous and picturesque villages.Visitable in one day, they offer sensational, bucolic landscapes with numerous pastures. The buildings made entirely of stone, the countless historic churches and the typical narrow streets make these places unique. Having undergone several dominations including Roman, Byzantine, Islamic and Norman, they present a curious and unique aspect of history.