Via Maqueda

This is a long pedestrian island, which, from the central station, leads to the Massimo Theatre. It is a path that accompanies those who walk down it on an authentic journey through Palermo’s multicultural history.

The stretch of via Maqueda close to the station is home to welcoming group of communities made up of African people, Sri Lankans, and people from Bangladesh, who put their roots down here long ago.
The mosque in via Giosafat and the many food stores (and others) that sell products typical of these backgrounds are evidence of this, right next to the one of the entrances to Ballarò market.

“Piazza della Vergogna”

In via Maqueda, every group of people who have lived in Palermo have left clear signs of their presence in its architecture. Walking through this long pedestrian street, the many historical buildings and churches that deserve a visit will be seen.

A stop in Piazza Pretoria, otherwise known as “Piazza della Vergogna”, is also a must, because of the various statues of naked men and women that surround it. Just a few metres away from this great historical heritage is what is considered to be the greatest junction in Palermo, Quattro Canti.

History of Quattro Canti

Quattro Canti are found at the junction of the city’s two major roads – via Vittorio Emanuele and via Maqueda, which, by chance, have become a single pedestrian area that allows you to admire the elegance and beauty of the rich historical heritage that it is home to.
You can walk through the nearby alleyways, admire their magic, eat in a trattoria and relax with an aperitif in one of the many bars.

Why four (quattro)?

The octagonal piazza, wanted that way by the viceroy of Cardenas, the duke of Maqueda, is home in every corner to statues of Saint Agatha, Saint Christina, Saint Ninfa and Saint Oliva.
The four saints protect the city: four, just like the number of kings who ruled Palermo from 1630 onwards, and the number of seasons seamlessly depicted.

The teatro del sole

The piazza also gets called Teatro del sole by Palermitans, because during the day, at least one of the architectural backdrops is illuminated by the sun.

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