Ziz, Paleopolis, Panormus, Palermo, the city has been called several names, and as a crossroads between Northern Africa and mainland Italy, the island of Sicily has been a hotbed of commerce for centuries. Originally founded by the Phoenician tradesman in the 8th century B.C., this coastal community can credit much of its success on its geographical location in the warm waters of the Mediterranean.
The First Punic War would mark the occasion of Roman rule over the island and the city, and lead to a relatively uneventful period in her history. But when the Roman Empire was split, Sicily and Palermo would switch hands and become an important contributor to the Eastern Byzantine Empire through the 9th century A.D..
Arab forces from Northern Africa would eventually invade the island, claiming the city of Palermo in 831 A.D.. Palermo would become the capital of Sicily, hosting the base of Muslim operations as they went on to capture the entire island in 965 A.D.. The city would prosper through this period by becoming a major center for commerce, culture and religion, renowned throughout the Muslim world. This was also a time of great religious tolerance, wherein the Muslim rulers allowed Christians and Jews to live in peace and practice their own beliefs without questions.
This policy of religious tolerance would continue through the Norman crusade which was finally victorious in 1072, resulting in Norman rule of the city. An interesting blend of Arab and Norman culture would produce such unique architectural marvels as the Zisa and the Cappella Palatina (Palatine Chapel), representing a sort of hybrid style not found the world over.
In 1194 The Holy Roman Empire would defeat the Norman dynasty and gain control over Sicily. The city of Palermo remained successful and prosperous, and Frederick II so favored her that he would eventually be buried in her Duomo. Under the rule of Charles Anjou the city would lose a considerable amount of independence, and her people would rise up in revolt, starting the war of the Sicilian Vespers in 1282. For nearly two decades they would persist with their battle to overthrow the French.
But peace and prosperity would be found again in the form of the Spanish dominion. As the seat of the Spanish viceroy the city of Palermo would again see success. Trade and travel would continue and her population would grow to over 100,000. A great deal of commercial and religious buildings would be erected during this baroque period, most of which can still be viewed today.
The island saw fleeting leadership by the Sabaudo family dynasty and the Austrians, but would eventually be returned to the Kingdom of Naples. The unification of Sicily in 1734 would nearly devastate the city as the seat of the Boubon-ruled kingdom became the city of Naples. Money and power were striped from the city, and her once opulent palaces would begin to decay. Palermo was the host of Europe''s first revolutionary upheaval in 1848 when her people would resist the Neapolitan crown until May 1849.
The 1860 annexation of the island to the kingdom of Italy would offer redemption for the fine city. It would again be named the administrative seat of the island, and the Florio family would lead an era of industrial development that would foster a great deal of growth. By the early 20th century the city would outgrow the old city walls and expand to the north along a new boulevard, Via della Liberta. During this period of expansion many fine estates and villas would be constructed in the Art Nouveau style. The Grand Hotel Villa Igeia is an exceptional example of this style. Built by the leading architect of this time, Ernesto Basile, for the Florio family.
World War II would have devastating effects on the city as the Allied invasion would nearly destroy the harbor and the old city with their bombs. In 1947 Palermo had yet another chance for redemption when Sicily was declared an autonomous region, granted self-rule. The city would again accept her place as the seat of the new state, hosting parliamentary occasions not seen since the Middle Ages. But opportunity would be squandered and political corruption would begin her next demise.
As the seat of commercial trade, agriculture in the rural regions of the island would take a backseat, and people would flock to the city in massive numbers. Again a period of expansion would be induced, but greedy contractors would corrupt the system, profiting enormously from their dishonest business practices. The Mafia played an integral part in this process. At the turn of the 21st century Palermo still continued to struggle to recover economically from the devastation of WWII and the damage caused from decades of uncontrolled urban growth. Today the city of Palermo and island of Sicily offer an amazing opportunity for travelers. With a history rich with culture and diversity, a landscape sweeping and inspiring, Sicily is a veritable mecca for the most discerning traveler.
