In the addictive TV series The White Lotus, Palermo overflows with beauty and mesmerizes visitors with its rich culture, offering one of the strongest senses of place in Sicily.

Palermo, the capital of the island, is a true melting pot of civilizations. Normans, Arabs, Byzantines, and Romans have all left a powerful cultural legacy, much of which is now protected by UNESCO.

Its narrow alleys and streets often bear names rooted in Latin, Arabic, and Jewish traditions, reflecting a long history of cultural coexistence and inclusion that has always made the city unique.

Baroque art is omnipresent throughout the city. The historic center features landmarks such as the Byzantine Cathedral, the stunning Piazza Quattro Canti, and the Pretoria Fountain, also known as the “Fountain of Shame” for its striking nude statues.

The city is also home to the famous Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s largest opera houses, renowned for its lyric performances. In The White Lotus, the theatre is visited by Tanya: in episode five, Quentin (Tom Hollander) and his gay friends take Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge) to the opera to attend Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.

Equally impressive are the Norman Palace (11th century) and the Palatine Chapel, celebrated for their extraordinary Byzantine mosaics, among the finest in Europe.

Yet the true soul of Palermo is found in its open-air markets, especially Vucciria and Ballarò, reminiscent of Arabic souks. Here, stalls overflow daily with fresh Mediterranean produce and seafood, offering the perfect opportunity to taste Palermo’s iconic street food.