Every autumn, Palermo turns into an open-air museum thanks to Le Vie dei Tesori, the festival that opens to the public historical sites, palaces, churches, and villas usually closed to visitors. The 2025 edition, running from October 10 to November 16, invites you to discover the city from new perspectives — through art, history, and neighborhood stories.

This practical guide accompanies visitors through lesser-known sites, themed walks, and strategies to make the most of their experience, allowing them to fully enjoy the magic of the festival without missing any of the historical and artistic wonders Palermo holds. And by staying at Hotel Plaza Opéra, right in the heart of the center, guests can experience the event at its best while enjoying comfort, elegance, and traditional cuisine.

How to participate

It is possible to purchase tickets for Le Vie dei Tesori tours through digital coupons — with packages of 4 entries for €10 or 10 entries for €18, or a single ticket for €3 for those who wish to visit just one site.

Tickets can also be purchased online via the official website: for multi-entry packages, you’ll first need to buy the carnet and then use the coupons to book each individual visit; for single coupons, you can buy them directly on the page of the site you wish to visit.

Openings take place mainly on weekends (Friday–Sunday) from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with some evening tours organized for special events.

Beyond historical landmarks, the program also offers walks and experiences. Some activities require separate reservations, yet remain easily accessible. Prices are kept affordable, making it possible to discover Palermo even on a limited budget.

Booking in advance allows you to plan a personalized itinerary, taking advantage of quieter days and organizing your movements efficiently between different neighborhoods and sites. Regularly checking the official website helps you stay updated on special openings, events, and any program changes.

Our tips for visits

Many of the Le Vie dei Tesori 2025 sites represent the lesser-known yet equally fascinating side of Palermo — ideal for those eager to immerse themselves in the city’s history, architecture, and culture. Some are tied to historic figures and renowned families such as the Florio, while others offer panoramic views or distinctive sensory experiences.

Visiting them reveals the city’s extraordinary diversity: from noble palaces to public spaces, from museums to private residences that preserve centuries of memories, passing through working-class neighborhoods that tell stories of community and urban identity.

Below is a short selection of sites that, according to us at Hotel Plaza Opéra, are not to be missed if you’re visiting Palermo during the festival:

• Archivio Storico Comunale– Houses documents from the 13th to the 20th century, including handwritten letters and historical registers essential to understanding the city’s evolution.
• Villa Belmonte all’Acquasanta – A neoclassical villa belonging to the Ventimiglia princes, now home to the Administrative Justice Council, offering a glimpse into 19th-century aristocratic life.
• Casa di Paolo Borsellino – A historic residence in the Kalsa district, now a cultural center dedicated to memory and civic commitment, bearing witness to the fight against the Mafia.
• Palazzo delle Finanze – Formerly the Royal Customs House and Vicaria prisons, this site is rich in history and architectural curiosities, from torture chambers to noble halls.
• Camera dello Scirocco – A rock-hewn chamber in the Fondo Micciulla, with a cool microclimate and unique atmosphere — a symbol of Palermitans’ ingenuity and bond with nature.

Our tips for walks

As mentioned, Le Vie dei Tesori also offers themed walks that allow visitors to explore more deeply a story, a site, or a particular aspect of Palermo. Below are our favorites.

• Pedala! Storie di arte e di mare – A bicycle tour along murals, the coastline, and local narratives, from Molo Sant’Erasmo to Sperone, blending beauty with social engagement.
• La Vucciria e le sue Balate – A walk through loggias, churches, and hidden corners of the historic Vucciria district, a symbol of Palermo’s commerce and daily life.
• Le origini dei Florio – From Paolo Florio’s first shops to the historic residences of the Florio dynasty, exploring entrepreneurship and historical memory.
• Danisinni Mon Amour – A stroll through urban art and the community of the working-class Danisinni neighborhood, filled with colors, murals, and local stories.
• I luoghi del Gattopardo – Following the two homes of Tomasi di Lampedusa, from the Loggia and Kalsa districts to Via Butera, tracing childhood memories, literature, and cinema.

Planning your visit

To fully enjoy Le Vie dei Tesori 2025, it is recommended to dedicate at least 2–3 days to Palermo. The city is easily explored on foot, but for longer distances, taxis and public transport are available.

Purchasing coupons in advance and booking the most popular sites and themed walks early allows you to optimize your time and visits. Alternating visits to palaces and museums with themed walks like Pedala! or Danisinni Mon Amour lets you experience both the city’s ancient history and its contemporary vibrancy.

Staying in the center is strategic: Hotel Plaza Opéra offers modern, comfortable rooms, a breakfast with local products, and a rooftop bar with views of Monte Pellegrino and Politeama. After a day of touring, guests can relax with a drink while planning the next day’s itinerary. Our staff can provide personalized suggestions, maps, and practical information about the sites and walks.

It is recommended to start your days early to avoid the hottest hours, alternate indoor and outdoor visits, and schedule refreshment breaks. Some themed walks have fixed times, so consulting the official website for updates and practical details is useful.

Le Vie dei Tesori 2025 is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic Palermo, rich in history, art, and community. Choosing Hotel Plaza Opéra as your base ensures the convenience of a central location, attentive services, and a welcoming atmosphere that combines comfort and style. After full days among historic palaces and vibrant murals, the panoramic rooftop and breakfast with local products provide the ideal way to relax and prepare for further exploration of Palermo’s treasures.