Located on a cape on the outskirts of Palermo, Bagheria is a historic and interesting city in its right, though it is often overshadowed by its urban neighbor. 

Bagheria is a town and comune in the Metropolitan City of Palermo in Sicily, Italy, located approximately 10km to the east of the city centre.

HIGHLIGHTS

The city dates back to the Phoenicians, who gave it the name Baaria. The promontory has seen a series of invaders and occupants through the millennia. It was the feudal lords, though, who really created the Bagheria you see today; its many villas were built by those noble families from Palermo who came here to get away from the heat and crowds of the city.

The area that draws the most visitors, though, is Bagheria’s waterfront. The undulating coastline of the cape is beautiful, and a popular spot for swimming and enjoying the beaches and coves. The promontory features four kilometers of beach at the seaside hamlet of Aspara, while along the shore are coves and formations. There is an interesting museum dedicated to the area’s important fishing activity – anchovies. You’ll appreciate the local dishes even more after seeing the history and craft of it at the Museo dell’Acciughe. Aspra also hosts a big annual festival dedicated to the area’s other food product – tomato paste! Show up to see the ladies spread out the estratto di pomodoro on wooden boards to “dry” and concentrate in the sun, and Sicilian ladies have been doing for centuries. And of course enjoy dishes using the fresh-made paste, along with shows, music and dancing. It is held at the end of August.

The archeological hamlets of Solunto and Mongerbino shouldn’t be missed; they are ancient Phoenician remains. The hills of the promontory offer hiking trails and beautiful views.

Main sights

• Villa Palagonia, renowned for its complex external staircase, curved façades, and marble. Designed by Tommaso Maria Napoli, it is today open to the public.
• Other notable building include Villa Butera, Villa Valguarnera, Villa Trabia, Villa Spedalotto, Villa San Cataldo, Villa Villarosa, Villa San Marco, Villa Filangeri, Villa Sant’Isidoro, Villa Ramacca, Villa Serradifalco, Villa Larderia, Villa Campofranco.
• The Museum of the painter Renato Guttuso with a permanent exhibition of his work is placed in Villa Cattolica. A famous collection of old sicilian toys, il Museo del Giocattolo di Pietro Piraino, is placed in Villa Cuto.