Explore the deep-rooted history of the mafia and the powerful anti-mafia movement in Palermo. This itinerary takes you through significant sites, memorials, and projects dedicated to social justice, offering a comprehensive understanding of the city’s complex relationship with organized crime and the inspiring stories of those who have fought against it.
Begin your day with an overview of Palermo’s long and complex history of mafia violence. Understand the origins of the mafia and its deep-rooted influence on the city. Learn about the notorious figures within the mafia organization and the courageous individuals who have stood against them.
Discover the birth and development of the anti-mafia movement in Palermo, a grassroots effort marked by significant milestones. Visit the Bottega dei Sapori e dei Saperi della Legalità, a shop that promotes the products of Libera Terra, an organization dedicated to using lands confiscated from the mafia for ethical and sustainable agriculture. This visit highlights the community’s resilience and dedication to social justice. Enjoy a tasting experience at Moltivolti, a Sicilian/ethnic restaurant and cultural meeting place in the heart of Ballarò. Here, you can sample delicious food and learn about the project’s positive impact on the local community.
Hear the powerful stories of anti-mafia judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, who made the ultimate sacrifice in their fight against organized crime. Visit the places associated with their birth and death, gaining a deeper understanding of their legacy and the ongoing struggle for justice. These visits serve as poignant reminders of their courage and dedication.
Learn about Saint Don Pino Puglisi, a priest who was murdered by the mafia for his efforts to help young people in Palermo escape the influence of organized crime. Visit memorial sites dedicated to Don Pino Puglisi, reflecting on his contributions to the community and the impact of his work.
Conclude your tour with a visit to the No-Mafia Memorial Museum, a place dedicated to educating the public about the history of the mafia and the efforts to combat it. Engage with interactive exhibits that provide a comprehensive overview of the mafia’s influence and the resilience of those who stand against it.
Additionally, delve into the life and accomplishments of Letizia Battaglia, renowned for her powerful photojournalism documenting the mafia and life in Sicily. Visit Quartiere Kalsa, specifically Piazza Magione, Battaglia’s neighborhood where she lived and worked, capturing the essence of the city’s transformation over the years. Reflect on the changes Palermo has undergone, many of which Battaglia documented through her lens.
Visit the Cantieri Culturali della Zisa, home to the International Center of Photography founded by Letizia Battaglia herself. This center is dedicated to photography exhibitions, workshops, and preserving the legacy of Battaglia’s work. Gain insight into her influence on contemporary photography.
End your journey at Caffè Stagnitta, a cultural landmark established in 1928, which has been a gathering place for artists, writers, intellectuals, and journalists. Letizia Battaglia was among the prominent figures who frequented this café. While tasting its coffee and pastries, immerse yourself in the vibrant intellectual life of Palermo, of which Battaglia was an integral part.
Quartiere Capo, Mercato del Capo, Piazza dei Beati Paoli, Piazza Sett’Angeli, Caffè Stagnitta, Piazza della Kalsa, Piazza Magione, Cantieri Culturali della Zisa
Via Brancaccio, Piazza Anita Garibaldi
No Mafia Memorial, Bottega dei Sapori e dei Saperi della Legalità, Moltivolti
Mural dedicated to mafia martyrs Judge Falcone & Judge Borsellino, The House of Paolo Borsellino, The Falcone Memorial Tree, Falcone and Borsellino Museum, Palermo Courthouse
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