La Kalsa
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Neighbourhood: Palazzo Reale
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
97 reviews
Excellent
35
Very good
46
Average
10
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Paul G
Bowdon, UK42 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
I stayed in this neighbourhood for three nights whilst shooting a film about Admiral Nelson.
There are several great cafes and restaurants. It appears to attract less tourists than more central parts of the city.
It has a ‘local’ vibe,
There are several great cafes and restaurants. It appears to attract less tourists than more central parts of the city.
It has a ‘local’ vibe,
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
permia
Ireland64,692 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
We stayed in the Kalsa area during our marvellous holiday in Palermo. We were thrilled with our choice, in the bustling and vibrant old city quarter, conveniently in the centre. From our third floor apartment we had panoramic views over the La Kala, the blue bay and tree lined Foro Italico stretching into the distance. From the balcony it was lovely watching the sun rise and seeing impressive cruise liners passing by.
There are so many wonderful attractions and sights to see in the area, from the lovely seafront and promenade to the narrow streets that are such a feature of the area.
We took a fascinating tour of Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri, both the cells and palace. For nearly 200 years the Inquisition was based here. The extent of Inquisition prisoners’ graffiti in the cells was absorbing, done using wall mortar and whatever other materials they could get, mixed with water. It is the home of Guttuso’s La Vucciria, but we had to settle for a lifesize copy as the original was on loan.
The area around Via Francesco Riso still suffers from the severe 1943 bombing damage. We were intrigued to discover that as part of the then clearance, rubble resulting from the bombing was dumped in the sea providing foundation for later reconstruction of the promenade.
Spasimo Church has a fascinating history and is a symbol of the regeneration of the area. It was never roofed because of diversion of money to fight the 1530s Turkish threat
The Basilica La Magione is lovely, with a pleasingly un-ornate interior. The complex was badly damaged in the 1943 bombing; subsequent rebuilding is evident with ‘Restaurato’ appearing in areas like the peaceful cloister.
We enjoyed visits to the Regional Museum in Palazzo Abatellis and the Galleria d'Arte Moderna., both with very good collections. In the former is the great Triumph of Death fresco. The depiction of Death riding a skeletal horse surrounded by pitiful humanity is powerful.
Other churches worth a visit are Santa Maria della Catena and the Chiesa San Francesco D'Assisi. The latter manifests a number of styles including Gothic but the overall impression is attractive plainness. In contrast the Cappella Mastrantonio and Cappella dell’Immacolata are highly decorative.
We regularly strolled along Via Emanuele. In Piazza Rivoluzione we saw on his green fountain the Genius of Palermo who is the secular protector of Palermo and complements St Rosalia, the religious counterpart.
Palazzo Mirto is one of the few in the city open to the public and it’s definitely worth a visit. The interior is magnificent, in the original style and with many decorative artefacts. Fine chandeliers and ornate ceilings are common. There is a lovely grotto-type area and the stables with carriages are fascinating.
There are so many wonderful attractions and sights to see in the area, from the lovely seafront and promenade to the narrow streets that are such a feature of the area.
We took a fascinating tour of Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri, both the cells and palace. For nearly 200 years the Inquisition was based here. The extent of Inquisition prisoners’ graffiti in the cells was absorbing, done using wall mortar and whatever other materials they could get, mixed with water. It is the home of Guttuso’s La Vucciria, but we had to settle for a lifesize copy as the original was on loan.
The area around Via Francesco Riso still suffers from the severe 1943 bombing damage. We were intrigued to discover that as part of the then clearance, rubble resulting from the bombing was dumped in the sea providing foundation for later reconstruction of the promenade.
Spasimo Church has a fascinating history and is a symbol of the regeneration of the area. It was never roofed because of diversion of money to fight the 1530s Turkish threat
The Basilica La Magione is lovely, with a pleasingly un-ornate interior. The complex was badly damaged in the 1943 bombing; subsequent rebuilding is evident with ‘Restaurato’ appearing in areas like the peaceful cloister.
We enjoyed visits to the Regional Museum in Palazzo Abatellis and the Galleria d'Arte Moderna., both with very good collections. In the former is the great Triumph of Death fresco. The depiction of Death riding a skeletal horse surrounded by pitiful humanity is powerful.
Other churches worth a visit are Santa Maria della Catena and the Chiesa San Francesco D'Assisi. The latter manifests a number of styles including Gothic but the overall impression is attractive plainness. In contrast the Cappella Mastrantonio and Cappella dell’Immacolata are highly decorative.
We regularly strolled along Via Emanuele. In Piazza Rivoluzione we saw on his green fountain the Genius of Palermo who is the secular protector of Palermo and complements St Rosalia, the religious counterpart.
Palazzo Mirto is one of the few in the city open to the public and it’s definitely worth a visit. The interior is magnificent, in the original style and with many decorative artefacts. Fine chandeliers and ornate ceilings are common. There is a lovely grotto-type area and the stables with carriages are fascinating.
Written 25 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris A
Manchester, UK165 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
We stayed in a superb B & B on via Lungarini and spent a lot of time in La Kalsa, especially in the evening, when it really comes alive. This is a great area to be based in, there are lots of places to stay, eat and drink. There is also a free tourist shuttle bus that comes down via Alloro, which we used to get the 389 bus to Monreale from Piazza Independza, on the other side of town. We found the city walkable from here to see sites further afield like the Cathedral and the Norman Palace, and other districts.
Within La Kalsa you also have severall great churches to visit, plus various palazzos, the excellent Regional Art Gallery and the Marionette Museum. Piazza Marina and the Giardino Garibaldi are also good spots and has a lot of restaurants and pizzerias of varying quality on it and in the streets nearby (via Bottai).
This area really comes in to its own in the evening, though, like most areas I imagine. One particular place that is good for eating and drinking is the zone around via Alloro. On via Paternostro there are some cool bars (look for the crowds) and an excellent restaurant where the street opens on to a square - the Focacceria San Francesco. On the junction of Paternostro with via Alloro there are some small bars and if you go down via Aragona there are drinking/eating places on the squares towards via Divisi - a minute's walk. If you go to the left down Alloro and take a right down via Castrofilippo you come to a massive open space, which looks a bit forlorn during the day but which really comes alive at night with eating and drinking places on both sides, and stalls selling drinks and food at barbecues in the centre. It is busy, busy, busy, and on the far side of the square a bar on the left that has a great soundtrack (Smiths, Hendrix) and monster Tanqueray gin and tonics for 4 euros each. The square has a great buzz.
I'd read warnings about the area before I came and was a bit concerned about petty crime, but saw nothing and felt totally at ease. Just take the usual city precautions. The only thing I felt on leaving was regret that we had to go and wishing we could be here longer.
A must visit area and a great place to stay.
Within La Kalsa you also have severall great churches to visit, plus various palazzos, the excellent Regional Art Gallery and the Marionette Museum. Piazza Marina and the Giardino Garibaldi are also good spots and has a lot of restaurants and pizzerias of varying quality on it and in the streets nearby (via Bottai).
This area really comes in to its own in the evening, though, like most areas I imagine. One particular place that is good for eating and drinking is the zone around via Alloro. On via Paternostro there are some cool bars (look for the crowds) and an excellent restaurant where the street opens on to a square - the Focacceria San Francesco. On the junction of Paternostro with via Alloro there are some small bars and if you go down via Aragona there are drinking/eating places on the squares towards via Divisi - a minute's walk. If you go to the left down Alloro and take a right down via Castrofilippo you come to a massive open space, which looks a bit forlorn during the day but which really comes alive at night with eating and drinking places on both sides, and stalls selling drinks and food at barbecues in the centre. It is busy, busy, busy, and on the far side of the square a bar on the left that has a great soundtrack (Smiths, Hendrix) and monster Tanqueray gin and tonics for 4 euros each. The square has a great buzz.
I'd read warnings about the area before I came and was a bit concerned about petty crime, but saw nothing and felt totally at ease. Just take the usual city precautions. The only thing I felt on leaving was regret that we had to go and wishing we could be here longer.
A must visit area and a great place to stay.
Written 22 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Looking_for_charme
Bergen, Norway1,156 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
When visiting Palermo, we wanted to do what we have done in Naples, staying in the old town. We did not regret a second that we found a lovely B&B (Palazzo Lungarini) in La Kalsa. This area was seriously damaged during World War II, but lately several old Palazzi and other buildings have been restored to former beauty. This area does have several restaurants and bars around. In late night we felt completely safe.
Written 27 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paolo70_11
Geneva, Switzerland59 contributions
Dec 2017 • Friends
La Kalsa is one of the most beautiful neighborhood in Palermo. It s a car free Area full of stunning Churches, Medieval building hided by beautiful facade of XVI-XVII Century that shows like an open book Palermo's rich History. Definitely recommend to discover this city of Art
Written 31 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,408 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
This is the oldest part of Palermo where the Arabs established their government.
It's full of old, narrow, winding picturesque streets. Through centuries it became densely populated. The area was heavily bombed during WWII, and many of the ruins have never been restored. Many of the ruined bldgs serve as restaurants and galleries today.
It's an interesting part of town to stroll and feel the atmosphere.
It's full of old, narrow, winding picturesque streets. Through centuries it became densely populated. The area was heavily bombed during WWII, and many of the ruins have never been restored. Many of the ruined bldgs serve as restaurants and galleries today.
It's an interesting part of town to stroll and feel the atmosphere.
Written 16 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marcopolo111
Cleveland, Oh2,736 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
This is a centrally located part of town, near to the harbor which was built and was the main arab quarter. It underwent continuous rebuilding over the centuries and has small alleys, lovely little and large squares, monumental palaces and square. Among them many houses destroyed by the allies bombing in 1944, and many others collapsing on their own. 10-20 years ago it was considered unsafe but now it has becoming fashionable, has attracted small hotel, restaurants, bars and it is as save as anywhere in Palermo. It is the most genuine and picturesque part of town, with beautiful churches and square intermixed with decaying and collapsing buildings, graffiti and great murals.
Written 7 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LeonidVic
Moscow, Russia181 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
It is rated in Michelin guide as 3 stars attraction in Palermo. Although no doubt that Palermo itself is worthwhile to visit La Kalsa is not close to this rating. Perhaps once it was - but not now. Except for a couple of really nice building there is nothing of interest - just very old and semi-destroyed houses and garbage in the streets.
Written 17 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosario_it
Belgium1,763 contributions
Sept 2018
This popular area of Palermo become more and more frequented by tourists and there are some good attractions and one of the best markets of Palermo (and Sicily)
Written 6 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pauline K
San Francisco, California17 contributions
Oct 2017
In a vibrant, multi-cultural area, not far from the transport hub. Beautiful churches and buildings to visit, a lovely park, art and crafts shops, with their own tour. And a huge market not far away, been there since Roman times!. Kalsa is the place to stay!
Written 22 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola!
Mañana vuelo a Palermo y me alojó en la kalsa en vía malta .Podéis decirme por favor la mejor forma o transporte llegar desde el aeropuerto?Gracias un saludo
Written 7 December 2018
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