Bagheria: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening

Just 13 kilometers from Palermo, the city of Bagheria is the second most populated municipality in the metropolitan city. Directly overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea but dominated by the Catalfano and Consona Mountains, Bagheria is a place with its own charm. Nicknamed by many the City of Villas, Bagheria has a large number of wonderful villas , all built in typical Baroque architecture.
However, the beauty of this place is not limited to villas and historic buildings, but also lies in the natural landscapes that distinguish it. If you are thinking of a journey to discover Sicily, we suggest you absolutely include this gem in your hypothetical itinerary: for this reason, in this article we leave you a whole series of tips about what to do / see in Bagheria for the first time , including some tips on where to eat, where to spend the post dinner and how to get around the city.

What to see in Bagheria

1 – Palazzo Butera
Photos of Personal instruments. Among the most beautiful villas and palaces of Bagheria, Palazzo Buterait is by far the best known and most visited by tourists. It is an aristocratic residence, whose construction was commissioned by Giuseppe Branciforte (then prince of Pietraperzia and Leonfonte) in about 1658. The purely neoclassical style building has a portico with colonnade and internal cells which in the past contained statues depicting famous people of the time. The interior of the structure, on the other hand, is characterized by decorations on the walls made by the artist Velasquezand a spiral staircase of incredible workmanship that connects the lower floor with the upper one. On the entrance door of the crenellated tower, we can read a very curious epigraph: it is addressed to the sovereign of Palermo and was written at the behest of Branciforte, who hoped to soon become regent of the Palermo court (the attempt at flattery, however, did not never got the desired results!).

• How to get there: the building is just a 5-minute walk from the city council and a 20-minute walk from the train station. Get directions
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 20.00
• Ticket cost: the visit of the entire structure costs € 7.50. If you want to visit only the ground floor, the towers and attics it costs € 5.00; ground floor only € 2.50.

2 – Villa Cattolica
Photo of Kalima. Another villa in Bagheria that certainly deserves a visit is Villa Cattolica . Built in 1736 at the behest of the prince of Cattolica, Eraclea, today this villa permanently houses an art museum dedicated to the painter Renato Guttuso and other contemporary artists (including Gennaro, Cali, Quattrociocchi): in addition to paintings and paintings placed in the upper floor, the painter’s only sculpture (and kept in the external annex) and the tomb (in the garden of the villa) can also be found here. On the lower floor, instead, a museum dedicated to Sicilian carts has been set up, with pieces and testimonies of great historical interest.

• How to get there: it is less than a ten minute walk from the city train station and an 18 minute walk from the Municipality of Bagheria. Get directions
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 9.00 to 17.00
• Ticket cost: admission costs € 6.00 per person

3 – Villa Palagonia

Villa Palagonia , better known as the Villa dei Mostri, dates back to the early 1700s when Prince Gravina di Palagonia ordered its construction. Although the external and internal state of the building are not the best, due to years and years of neglect and inattention, this villa hides an incredible amount of treasures scattered among its walls and the park that surrounds it. In particular, what attracts the curiosity of visitors are the statues with monstrous and animalistic features distributed both inside and outside the house and which make it a unique place of its kind (especially when evening falls, the atmosphere that hovers in Villa Palagonia and rather mysterious!). Also very interesting to visitHall of Mirrors on the upper floor.

• How to get there: it is located just 10 minutes walk from the Municipality of Bagheria and 15 minutes from the train station. Get directions
• Hours: every day, from 9.00 to 13.00 and from 15.30 to 17.30
• Ticket cost: admission costs € 6.00

4 – Villa Valguarnera
Finally, we present Villa Valguarnera , an eighteenth-century complex that many associate by resemblance to Villa Stupinigi. Built at the behest of the Valguarnera princes, the villa has a truly original planimetric composition with elements that even seem to refer to esotericism: for example, on the top of the nearby hill an octagonal balustrade was built to recall the idea of ​​the symbolic path from the earth to the sphere heavenly. Although the interiors of the villa are no longer open to tourists, a walk in the splendid garden will make you feel immersed in a relaxing oasis, miles away from the chaos of the city.

• How to get there: it is just a 5-minute walk from Villa Palagonia, a 25-minute walk from the train station and 14 minutes from the Municipality of Bagheria. Get directions
• Hours: the villa (as anticipated) unfortunately is not open to the public, unless for special events and occasions. However, it is possible to stay overnight: if you want to spend a romantic stay not far from Palermo, this is certainly a great option!

5 – Chiesa Madrice
In addition to the villas of great charm, in Bagheria there are numerous other points of interest, including churches, museums and natural beauties. Starting from the religious buildings, we cannot fail to mention the Bagheria Madrice Church , dating back to the eighteenth century: the Church, commissioned by Prince Branciforti, was dedicated to the Nativity of Mary and soon became the main religious building of the city. From the external façade, in reality, the church would seem a little anonymous (if it were not for the large clock, installed at the end of the 19th century); entering, however, we are sure that you will be speechless: the interior is in fact richly decorated with polychrome marbles, frescoes and historical artifacts. Also, a great organdominates the upper part of the structure (still today it can be used for concerts that are held regularly: the Madrice Church is in fact equipped with excellent acoustics!).

• How to get there: from Villa Palagonia, you can walk to the Madrice Church in 10 minutes. It is an 8-minute walk from the town hall, 20 minutes from the train station. Get directions
• Hours: always accessible (masses are held at the following times: weekdays 18.00; holidays: 9.30 – 11.30 – 18.00)
• Ticket cost: Free

6 – Church of the Holy Sepulcher
Majestic and with a rather unusual plan (in fact it has a star-shaped plant), the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is the second most important religious building in the city. Although the first construction took place at the beginning of the 1700s, the current structure is the result of several changes undergone over time: the facade (which is the most beautiful thing in the entire building) is in fact built according to the canons of neo-Gothic architecture ., due to an important modification project implemented in the early years of the last century. In addition to the external part, we recommend you to visit it also for the square that rises around it: always very lively and busy, and a pleasant corner in which to rest after a walk, sipping a coffee and watching the people go by.

• How to get there: from the Madrice Church, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is within walking distance: only 5 minutes separate the two religious buildings. From the train station, on the other hand, it will take you just over 15 minutes, along Corso Butera. Starting from the Municipality, however, it is just 4 minutes away. Get directions
• Hours: always accessible (Mass times: weekdays 8.30 – 18.00; holidays: 8.30 – 10.00 – 12.00 – 18.00)
• Ticket cost: Free

7 – Corso Umberto I
If you want to indulge in some healthy shopping, buy some souvenirs to take home or simply feel the need for a relaxing walk in the pedestrian area, Corso Umberto I is exactly the place for you. This is the main pedestrian street of Bagheria, characterized by the concentration of many bars and commercial activities, very popular both during the day and in the evening for aperitifs and after dinner. In particular, the Corso directly connects Villa Palagonia to the main square of the city and is undoubtedly one of the best routes to walk.
During Christmas and holidays, the street is decorated with lights and other decorations that make it one of the most magical places in the whole city!

• How to get there: from Villa Palagonia, only a few steps separate you from the Corso. From the train station it will take about 17 minutes on foot, along Corso Butero, then following via Palagonia and then via Ciro Scianna. From the Municipality, on the other hand, you are less than 100 meters away. Get directions
• Hours: always accessible
• Ticket cost: Free

8 – Baia dei Francesi
Finally, we cannot talk about what to do / see in Bagheria without mentioning the natural wonders in its surroundings. Among these, the Spiaggia dei Francesi undoubtedly stands out , a real corner of paradise that rises between the coast of Aspra and Capo Zafferano: the water is crystal clear, the beach (mostly rocky) is free and the surrounding vegetation is luxuriant, so luxuriant that you will feel immersed in a tropical forest. If you want to take advantage of a beautiful sunny day to spend a few hours by the sea, we recommend this little place with your eyes closed. But make sure you get there before sunset, when this small cove is filled with people waiting to witness the spectacle offered by nature.

• How to get there: it is necessary to travel by car. The Spiaggia dei Francesi is located 15 minutes from Bagheria, heading north, on the slopes of Mongherbino. Get directions
• Hours: always accessible
• Ticket cost: Free

9 – Capo Zafferano
Photo by Ziegler175. Another place of considerable naturalistic interest not far from Bagheria and Capo Zafferano : in a nutshell, it is a small promontory directly overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, halfway between Bagheria and Palermo. The area is full of caves, rock walls and Mediterranean plants, moreover the clear and shallow water near the shore makes this corner a perfect place for a bathing stop, after so much wandering around the city. Among the most characteristic views of the area, we point out the Arco Azzurro di Capo Zafferano, of remarkable beauty as well as quite famous because it is used as a location for various advertising spots.

• How to get there: it can be reached by car in just 14 minutes from Bagheria along the SS 113. Get directions
• Hours: always accessible
• Ticket cost: Free

10 – Scoglio della Formica, Porticello (Fraction of Santa Flavia)
Photo by Carlo Columba. We conclude by talking about a real gem, not far from Bagheria. The Scoglio della Formica (or Secca della Formica) is a medium-sized rock, located just outside the port of Porticello, part of the municipality of Santa Flavia. This rock is known because in Phoenician and Roman times it was the cause of many shipwrecks. With its 60 meters deep, this rock has become the home of numerous marine animal and plant species, making it the ideal destination for snorkelers .and diving. However, we do not recommend visiting it on weekends (or at least Sunday afternoon), due to the large number of divers who go there intrigued by the reputation of the place.

• How to get there: by car you will get there in just 4 minutes from Bagheria. Follow the signs for Porticello, and then for the city port. Get directions
• Hours: always accessible
• Ticket cost: Free

One day itinerary in Bagheria
Having briefly presented the main attractions of the city of Bagheria, we now propose an itinerary to be carried out in a single day, containing as many attractions as possible.
The Bagheria tour starts from the end of Corso Umberto I, and more precisely from the Ester Bar , a true institution of the town. Here you can have a more than abundant breakfast, choosing from pastries and confectionery products typical of the area. After having refreshed yourself well, it’s time to leave for one of the most beautiful villas in Bagheria: Villa Palagonia. Here, let yourself be fascinated by the animalistic and slightly creepy statues and stroll a little through the lush garden. At the end of the visit, go back along Corso Umberto I and (following the opposite direction from where you came before) follow it almost entirely until you reach the Church of the Holy Sepulcher .
Since it’s time for lunch, we advise you to stop right in Piazza Santo Sepolcro in a place with a beautiful terrace: La Porta del Pepe is ideal if you want to have a light but tasty lunch, or if you want to opt for an excellent pizza quality. After lunch, you still have some time for a visit to the nearby Chiesa Madrice , before heading to Palazzo Butera, the best known city palace. After that it would be a real shame not to enjoy a few hours at the sea: for this reason, it could be an excellent idea to take the car and move to Capo Zafferano to savor the beauty of the coast.
On the way back, we suggest you stop at the Arco Azzurro restaurant (via Mongerbino, 17), renowned for its fresh fish and excellent value for money … not to mention the priceless view of the sea!

One day itinerary at a glance

1. Breakfast at Bar Ester Get directions
2. Corso Umberto I – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
3. Villa Palagonia – opening hours: from Mon to Sun from 9:00 to 13:00, from 15:30 to 17:30 – ticket price: full € 6.00
4. Church of the Holy Sepulcher – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
5. Lunch at Porta del Pepe Get directions
6. Madrice Church – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
7. Palazzo Butera – opening hours: from Tue to Sun from 10:00 to 20:00 – ticket price: the visit of the entire structure costs € 7.50. If you want to visit only the ground floor, the towers and attics it costs € 5.00; ground floor only € 2.50
8. Capo Zafferano – opening hours: always accessible – ticket price: free
9. Dinner at Arco Azzurro restaurant. Get directions

Where to eat in Bagheria

1. Bitta Ristro : restaurant specializing in fish dishes and Mediterranean cuisine, with many options also for vegetarians and celiacs
   Average price per person: € 20.00
   Address and contacts: Corso Butera, 423 (Get directions) / tel: +39 391 1856764
2. I Pupi : refined restaurant with refined combinations, all ingredients come from the area
   Average price per person: € 40.00
   Address and contacts: via del Cavaliere, 59 (Get directions) / tel: +39 091 902579
3. Fratelli Piombino Restaurateurs : restaurant that combines traditional recipes with more international dishes. The pizza is also very good.
   Average price per person: € 20.00
   Address and contacts: via Giuseppe Scordato, 2 (Get directions) / tel: +39 091 900305
4. Arco Azzurro : restaurant-reception hall renowned for its fresh fish, the excellent quality-price ratio and the priceless view of the sea.
   Average price per person: € 28.00
   Address and contacts: via Mongerbino, 17 (Get directions) / tel: +39 091 955465
5. La Porta Del Pepe : ideal for quick and light meals based on salads, sandwiches or pizza.
   Average price per person: € 15.00
   Address and contacts: Via C. Greco, 5 (Get directions) / tel: +39

What to do in the evening: nightlife areas and best clubs
After a nice dinner based on local dishes, the evening in Bagheria can only continue inside one of the many pubs in the city: especially in the downtown area, you will find every corner, suitable for all tastes and requests. We have selected three of them, hoping to have given you a hand in the difficult choice.

• Tyche Wine Bar : ideal place to drink a glass of wine in the company of friends, with a beautiful view of the sea / Address: via Fiume d’Italia, 105 (Get directions) / Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com / Tyche-856521784408230 /)
• Public : pub with a welcoming and jovial atmosphere, frequented by a young clientele / Address: via Quattrocchi, 24 (Get directions)
• The Black Tea : a place with graceful furnishings, specializing not only in alcohol but also in sweets and herbal teas / Address: via del Cavaliere, 96 / A (Get directions) / Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/blackteabagheria/ )

Plan your stay in Bagheria: info and useful tips

• How to get there: Bagheria is quite close to Palermo and the Punta Raisi Airport (the latter is 42 minutes away by car and is connected by private shuttles / transfers starting from € 10.00 per person). From Palermo it is possible to reach it by car via the Messina-Palermo motorway (A20) (about 18km, 25 minutes journey), or by train, with the daily Palermo-Bagheria route at a cost of € 1.70 (Trains departing from Central Station).
• How to get around : Bagheria is a city that can be visited mostly on foot, especially if the intention is to stay in the historic center area. However, if you plan to visit the less central districts, as well as some nearby attractions, we recommend that you use a car to get around.
• Where to park : In general, in Bagheria it is quite easy to find parking. In some areas of the center, however, parking may be subject to a charge or a parking disc. This is why many opt to park their car outside the center, and then move around on foot: many free parking spaces are available in the areas near the train station, or towards the area of ​​the old local market.
• Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 30.00 per room – see the offers
• What to see in the surrounding area : Palermo (18 km, 25 minutes by car), Monreale (25 km, 35 minutes by car), Caccamo (32 km, 35 minutes by car), Cefalu (54 km, 43 minutes by car)