Beyond the well-told tales of Arab-Norman influence lies another Palermo — one where the dialogue between past and present plays out in puppet theatres, tiled staircases, and palaces.

What if the soul of Palermo lies not just in its cathedrals or cannoli, but in the traces of an Arab past that still breathe into the city’s pulse?

Stepping into the Cappella Palatina, I was met by geometry, gold, and God — where Norman ambition, Byzantine splendour, and Islamic artistry mingle under one roof.

Tucked away on the outskirts of Palermo, Palazzina Cinese brings Chinoiserie to life, offering a glimpse into the Sicilian fascination with the Far East.

The Zisa Palace, home to the Museum of Islamic Art, is a gem for anyone exploring UNESCO’s Arab-Norman itinerary.

Arab rule in Sicily ended over a millennium ago, yet its influence remains deeply engrained in the island’s culture, shaping its language, cuisine, cityscape, and art.