Every autumn, Palermo turns into an open-air museum thanks to Le Vie dei Tesori, the festival that opens palaces, villas, churches, and historic sites normally closed to the public. The 2025 edition, running from October 10 to November 16, offers a unique chance to explore the city from unexpected perspectives, blending art, history, and neighborhood stories.
This practical guide leads visitors through lesser-known corners, thematic routes, and useful tips to organize their visit, allowing them to fully experience the festival’s magic without missing the historical and artistic treasures Palermo holds. Staying at the Hotel Principe di Villafranca, located in the heart of the city, lets visitors combine the cultural experience with elegance, comfort, and a taste of local cuisine.
How to participate
Tickets for Le Vie dei Tesori tours are available as digital coupons: 4-entry packages for €10, 10-entry packages for €18, or single tickets for €3 for those who want to visit only one location.
Coupons can also be purchased online through the official website: with multi-entry packages, the carnet is purchased first, then the individual visits are booked; single tickets can be purchased directly on the page of the chosen site.
Most openings occur on weekends (Friday–Sunday) from 10 AM to 6 PM, with some evening visits for special events. In addition to historic sites, the program includes guided walks and experiential activities, some of which require separate reservations. Prices are affordable, allowing everyone to discover Palermo even on a budget.
Booking in advance helps plan personalized itineraries, avoid peak hours, and optimize travel between neighborhoods. The official website provides updates on special openings, events, and schedule changes.
Must-see locations
Many festival sites reveal a lesser-known yet fascinating Palermo, perfect for those interested in history, architecture, and local culture. Some are tied to historic families like the Florios, while others offer panoramic views or unique sensory experiences.
Here is a selection of sites recommended by Hotel Principe di Villafranca:
- Archivio Storico Comunale: preserves documents from the 13th to 20th centuries, including autographed letters and registers crucial for understanding the city’s history.
- Villa Belmonte all’Acquasanta: a neoclassical villa of the Ventimiglia princes, now home to the Administrative Justice Council, showcasing 19th-century aristocratic life.
- Casa di Paolo Borsellino: a historic home in the Kalsa district, now a cultural center and symbol of civic memory.
- Palazzo delle Finanze: formerly the Royal Customs and Vicaria prison, with noble halls and spaces rich in architectural curiosity and history.
- Camera dello Scirocco: a room carved into the rock of Fondo Micciulla, cool and evocative, demonstrating the creativity of Palermo’s citizens.
Thematic Walks
The festival also offers guided thematic walks for a deeper exploration of the city’s history and culture:
- Pedala! Storie di arte e di mare: bike tour along murals and coastline, from Molo Sant’Erasmo to Sperone.
- La Vucciria e le sue Balate: discover the historic Vucciria district through its loggias, churches, and hidden corners.
- Le origini dei Florio: from Paolo Florio’s first shops to the family’s historic residences, combining entrepreneurship and historical memory.
- Danisinni Mon Amour: street art and local life in the popular Danisinni neighborhood.
- I luoghi del Gattopardo: visiting Tomasi di Lampedusa’s residences, the Loggia and Kalsa districts, blending literature and cinema.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
To make the most of Le Vie dei Tesori 2025, it is recommended to spend at least 2–3 days in Palermo. The city is easily walkable, but taxis and public transport are available for longer distances.
Purchasing coupons in advance and booking popular walks early helps optimize time. Alternating visits to museums and palaces with thematic routes allows you to experience both Palermo’s ancient history and contemporary vitality.
Staying in the city center is a major advantage: Hotel Principe di Villafranca offers elegant rooms, breakfast with fresh local products, an internal bar, and refined common areas to relax after sightseeing. Staff provide maps, personalized suggestions, and practical information on festival routes.
Start the day early to avoid the hottest hours, alternate indoor and outdoor sites, and allow for breaks. Some thematic walks have fixed schedules, so checking the official website for updates is recommended.
Le Vie dei Tesori 2025 is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic Palermo, blending history, art, and community, with Hotel Principe di Villafranca as a comfortable and central base. After days spent exploring historic palaces and murals, the hotel’s refined spaces and breakfast with local products provide the ideal way to relax and prepare for the next discovery.
