Palermo, Italy

A living crossroads of cultures, learning, and resilience

Palermo has been shaped by an extraordinary succession of civilisations — Phoenician, Arab, Norman, Spanish and more — each leaving deep and visible traces that contribute to the city’s complex and layered identity. Today, Palermo is much more than a historical jewel: it is a vibrant, resilient Mediterranean city of nearly one million people, where ancient traditions meet grassroots innovation. Its neighbourhoods host intercultural communities and civic initiatives that reflect the city’s commitment to inclusion, social justice and participation.
This cultural richness is reflected not only in its striking architecture and living traditions but also in its iconic cuisine — from Arab-inspired arancine to the baroque sweetness of cassata siciliana. Public spaces come alive with festivals, street art, open-air theatre, and educational projects that involve youth, migrants, artists and educators alike. For teachers and learner, Palermo offers not only beauty and heritage, but also a powerful context to explore themes such as intercultural dialogue, active citizenship, and creative pedagogy — all in a city that continues to reinvent itself from the ground up.
And in Palermo, the sea is never far — a constant horizon that invites reflection, rest, and a deeper connection with the rhythms of Mediterranean life!

Please, read our guide about how to get in and around Palermo.