Piazza & Fontana Pretoria Tours and Activities
773 Reviews
Palermo’s most famous piazza, the Piazza Pretoria, is just a few steps from the busy Quattro Canti - but a world away in terms of the kind of piazza experience it delivers.
The centerpiece of the Piazza Pretoria is the fountain, known as the Fontana Pretoria. It’s huge, designed in the 1550s by a sculptor from Florence named Camilliani. The fountain was originally commissioned for a private villa in Tuscany, but was gifted to the city of Palermo in 1574. City officials had razed several homes to make way for a grand fountain, meant to show off Palermo’s impressive city plumbing, but locals weren’t quite prepared for the fountain’s decorations when it was unveiled.
There are 16 figures on the Fontana Pretoria, all of which are entirely or partially nude, that circle the fountain. There is no side from which you can simply enjoy the water itself without seeing a nude statue - which many Palermitans in the late 16th century found scandalous. There are two churches facing the Piazza Pretoria - Santa Caterina and San Giuseppe dei Teatini - which may have added to the perceived inappropriate nature of the fountain’s decor.
Piazza Pretoria, Palermo
Tours and Activities to Experience Piazza & Fontana Pretoria
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Palermo Old Town Bike Tour
85
Capital of Sicily, Palermo is a city of rich history and impressive architecture—with hidden secrets round every corner. On this bike tour, hop onto the saddle, escape the tourist trail with your guide, and see sides of Palermo many visitors miss. Spin along peaceful back-streets and through pretty squares, sample Sicilian street food, and experience life in Palermo away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist traps.
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From
$52.53
Price varies by group size
From
$52.53
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Walking Tour and street food Tour Palermo
253
My group walking tour is a mix of history, art, monuments and food tasting. In the first part of the Walking Tour we will visit the old town with its monuments and churches, and in the second part we will explore the big food market where we will taste the famous street food of Palermo (as arancini, fresh juice, pizza, etc). This group tour is in english and italian.
Il mio tour di gruppo e' un mix di storia, arte, monumenti e assaggio di cibo di strada tipico. Nella prima parte del tour visiteremo il centro storico con I suoi monumenti e chiese e nella seconda parte del tour visiteremo il grande mercato all'aperto dove si potranno assaggiare I prodotti tipici dello street food palermitano come l'arancina, le spremute fresche, sfincione, ecc.
Questo tour di gruppo e' in inglese ed in italiano.
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From
$41.78
From
$41.78
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Discover Palermo
64
Walking tour in the heart of the city of Palermo, discovering historical markets, churches and squares. A journey through the history and culture of a unique city in the world.
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From
$45.37
From
$45.37
Markets and Monuments: Walking Tour in the Center of Palermo
50
Explore the historic center of Palermo on a 3-hour walking tour led by a knowledgeable guide. Learn about the city’s history as you see landmarks including Teatro Massimo, the Palermo Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Palermo (Palazzo dei Normanni)— part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop by the Chiesa del Gesù (Casa Professa), an elaborate 16th-century church, and view the Palazzo Pretorio (Palace of the Eagles). Stroll around the Piazza Pretoria and Piazza Bellini, and browse tempting treats in renowned food markets that offer Sicilian cuisine.
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From
$38.20
Price varies by group size
From
$38.20
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Exclusive tour of Palermo
49
✅ Very small groups: max. 6 people
✅ Get a general view on Palermo and its secrets with a unique point of view, with our passion and expertise!
✅ Visit the monumental area
✅ Explore the hidden streets, and enter the area of one of the Streets Markets, the kingdom of the Street Food!
✅ Let's speak about social dynamics and contrasts of the city
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From
$77.60
Price varies by group size
From
$77.60
Price varies by group size
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
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Tuk tuk ride, ape car
38
The ape car tour allows us in a short time, given the small size of the vehicle, to get to know them
most hidden corners of the city in a very comfortable and nice way making a summary of the city! With
the possibility for those who have more time to be able to customize their tours.
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From
$103.26
per group
From
$103.26
per group
Palermo and Cefalù Day Trip from Taormina
30
Say arrivaderci for the day to Taormina and spend some time in Palermo and Cefalù on this intriguing guided day trip. Discover the unique architecture, influenced by the Normans and the Arabs, and learn about the long and interesting history of both places. With your expert local guide, stroll the streets of both cities, taking in the Il Capo market in Palermo and the main cathedral in Cefalù.
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From
$65.66
From
$65.66
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Palermo Virtual Tour: Gone Travelers!
15
It’s day February 31st, 2020. All tourists have disappeared from the streets of Palermo. What happened to them? Have they left? Have they been kidnapped or trapped in a Trattoria?
Sit back on your sofa and follow a Sicilian tour guide roaming the streets of Palermo in search of his travelers. Our guide will connect live on ZOOM to lead you through this adventure acting as a real time voice over. As the movie roll on, our guide will tell you about the city, its long history, its fine art and rich culture. We will pull you into virtual Palermo and project you into a food market to discuss traditional foods and recipes. All of this will happen without never losing focus on the plot of the story. To solve the case, our tour guide will have to walk around the monumental streets of the city but the magic will happen into the dark backstreets of the city center.
NB: TICKET PRICE IS MEANT TO BE "PER SCREEN".
THE TIME INDICATED IN THE CALENDAR IS ROME TIME.
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From
$14.33
From
$14.33
Great Full Day Excursion in Sicily to Cefalù and Castelbuono From Palermo
12
See two of northern Sicily’s most characterful destinations when you embark on this full-day trip from Palermo. In the morning, your guide picks you up from your accommodation; board an air-conditioned minivan and head to the medieval village of Castelbuono, located in the Madonie Mountains. See the Castle of Ventimiglia and visit a local pastry shop before continuing to Cefalù, home to a UNESCO-listed cathedral and impeccable seaside views.
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From
$292.49
Price varies by group size
From
$292.49
Price varies by group size
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Private City Kickstart Tour: Palermo
12
Receive a warm welcome to Palermo on a private tour that will kick off your time in the city in the best way possible! In only 90 minutes, a local guide will get you acquainted with Palermo to help you enjoy the rest of your stay to the fullest.
Discover where to find Palazzo Reale and Quattro Canti, and how to explore them away from the crowds. And what about that unique family-owned restaurant or that amazing local hotspot? We got you covered; the local guides are experts in the subject! Forget about touristy traps; on this city kickstart tour, your guide will point you in the right direction.
Private City Kickstart Tour: Palermo is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.
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From
$35.82
Price varies by group size
From
$35.82
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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CSTRents - Palermo Segway PT Authorized Tour
10
Forget your feet and abandon the automobile, the best way to see Palermo is via Segway. Smoothly cruise around town upright and on two wheels with your expert guide going from legendary landmark to spectacular site, and stopping at each spot to learn about its history. Head through the bustling Capo Market where some of the best street food in Sicily is sold, pass by the Gallery of Modern Art and discover the rich architectural heritage of a town that has been strongly influenced through the centuries by everyone from the Arabs to the Vikings.
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From
$118.19
Price varies by group size
From
$118.19
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Chef-led Palermo Market Tours
7
What makes this experience stand apart from others is the benefit of having a chef by your side. As someone who shops daily in the markets, I have the expertise and experience to properly explain the importance of seasonal and regional cuisine, traditional recipes, and the island's most treasured artisanal products. Our interactions with trusted purveyors are enjoyable because the people we work with and choose to support are kind, knowledgable, and reliable. Personal connections are very important here in Sicily. Respect for the people, culture, and land are our utmost priorities.
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From
$181.99
From
$181.99
A walk among the monuments and markets of Palermo
7
The tour explores both the historical, architectural and cultural aspects of the city.
Through the visit of the main monuments and tastings of typical local products (street food) you will be able to grasp the essence of the city.
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From
$53.72
From
$53.72
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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The Real Deal of Palermo: Private Kalsa District Tourwith a Local
6
For a glimpse into Palermo’s historical past, look no further than the medieval Kalsa District. Formed over a thousand years ago during the time of Arab rule, numerous kingdoms have left their mark on this remarkable section of Palermo. The result is one of the most culturally unique places to explore in Palermo with beautiful architecture, tasty cuisine, and a charm all its own.
On this private tour, you’ll see its resilience for yourself by visiting its lively squares forming hubs of local entertainment. That classic aperitivo culture is in full effect in Piazza Rivoluzione and Piazza Sant’Anna, and you’ll see it firsthand.
The Norman era produced iconic pieces of architecture, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that your local host will show you. From Arab-Norman times to Baroque and Gothic styles, you’ll be amazed at the beautiful palaces and churches on display!
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From
$48.95
Price varies by group size
From
$48.95
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Palermo Private Tour
5
This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Palermo from a unique perspective! Get to know Palermo on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, with city highlights, hidden gems, storytelling, and a local treat - this tour has it all!
Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Palermo at its best but from the eyes of a local. Check out main landmarks like Teatro Massimo, Piazza Pretoria and Fontana Pretoria, Palazzo Reale, and uncover hidden gems and city secrets with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. And the cherry on top, a local treat is included.
Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.
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From
$69.24
Price varies by group size
From
$69.24
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Palermo wine tour
5
A relaxing walking tour at sunset around the Kalsa district guided by a local tour guide and wine expert. Try 6 different sicilian wines, from vino spumante to structured reds. A great introduction to the Sicilian world of wines!
Discover stories and facts not available on guidebooks. See places you wouldn't probably find on your own. Step in local wine bars with locally produced foods (eg. extravergine olive oil, almonds, country cheese) and comfortably sit in suggestive corners of the old city while listening to your guide's stories and presentations. Our small group policy make the wine experience intimate and enjoyable.
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From
$113.41
From
$113.41
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Food and culture in Palermo!
5
Walking tour of good food, art and culture, explaining everything from the birth of the city step by step to today's markets, in a simple but passionate way ... with excellent street food.
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From
$45.31
From
$45.31
Palermo Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience
5
Explore the historic center of Palermo and stop to taste carefully selected local delicacies. Expect to make 5 different stops over the course of 3 hours as you chat with your knowledgeable guide about Sicilian history and culture. Learn about the preparation of various dishes, the stories behind Palermo restaurants, and more.
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From
$74.02
From
$74.02
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Best Excursion in western Sicily to Erice, Trapani Salt Flats from Palermo
3
Explore Western Sicily from Palermo easily without having to rent a car with this tour of Erice, Trapani, and the salt flats. Travel comfortably from stop to stop by air-conditioned minivan as a guide tells you all about the area and its history as you go. Plus, round-trip transport from your Palermo hotel is included.
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From
$274.58
Price varies by group size
From
$274.58
Price varies by group size
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Learn More
GRAND TASTE PALERMO - Artisan Food & History Walking Tour
3
A 'Grand Taste' of The City of Palermo.
Authentic Food and Wine with History Walking Tour of Palermo.
11 Must-See Sights and Attractions of Palermo.
3 (UNESCO) Arab-Norman Historical Monuments of Palermo.
20+ Tastes of Traditional Specialty Food & Wine.
Fascinating Tales & History Information by your Local Guide.
Genuine and Valuable Information about other Places to Visit, Must-See. Sights and Attractions - you can ask your Local Guide.
Small-group tour (maximum 14).
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From
$57.30
From
$57.30
Palermo. Historic center tour - City walking tour
2
With this tour you will see and savor the best of the city: the most famous monuments of different eras, the main streets of the center and a historic outdoor market still functioning and vital. Sum, a bit of everything. Your personal guide will explain and answer to your questions and will assist you in the tastings. For more details and timetables, look for me online and contact me privately. I am Angela Saltaformaggio, a licensed guide.
With this tour, you will be able to get the most out of the city: the most famous monuments from different periods, the main city and the historical open-air food market. your questions and help you in your tastings. For more details and timetables, find me on the internet and contact me personally.
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From
$149.23
per group
From
$149.23
per group
Palermo Walking Tour - Baroque and Aristocracy
2
In this sublime walk between history and amazement, you will have the opportunity to discover the wonders of the center of Palermo.
Please note:
- Visits to the monuments indicated may undergo changes without notice due to the Covid-19 emergency.
- Visits to the monuments indicated may be subject to changes on public holidays.
- The visit inside Palazzo Gangi is not included in the itinerary.
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From
$78.79
Price varies by group size
From
$78.79
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Palermo Sightseeing con fiat 500 vintage!!!
2
Drive a vintage Fiat 500!! Two and a half hours on a panoramic tour of Palermo and surroundings. A return to the past on small colored cars that move slowly through the city. We will drive along the Marina to get to the market of Ballarò. A quick stop to familiarise with the culture, traditions and habits of the Palermitani. We will park the car to reach the church of Casa Professa, Piazza Bellini and Piazza Pretoria. The tour will continue following the Arab Norman itinerary. Next stop will be the Norman Palace and the Cathedral. Monreale will be our next stop to see the Cathedral and Palermo from the belvedere. It's time to come back to Palermo, a photo in front of the Teatro Massimo. Our tour will end at the Cala harbor. We will stop in one of the oldest bars in Palermo for a little sweet treat!The experience that I propose involves all the senses. Tastes, colors, sounds that can hardly be forgotten. Well it all happens on a Fiat 500 !!!!
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From
$107.45
Price varies by group size
From
$107.45
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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Palermo private shore excursion with Palatine Chapel ticket
1
Skip the crowded, hurried shore excursions on this private experience in Palermo. Explore the city streets as your guided shares insights into the history and architecture. Skip the long lines at the Palatine Chapel, Sicily's most-visited monument, before continuing to more must-see sites before returning to the port in time for your ship.
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From
$334.28
Price varies by group size
From
$334.28
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
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