On April 20, 2025, at 10:30 AM, visitors to Palermo will have the opportunity to join a guided tour of the Kalsa district, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant street art. This neighborhood, steeped in history, showcases the complexity of its poignant past alongside the creativity of contemporary expression.
The tour will commence at Giardino Garibaldi, located at Piazza Marina, where participants will gather to marvel at the Ficus Magnolioides, proudly considered the largest tree in Europe. Relaxing under its expansive canopy, guests can prepare for an intimate look at Kalsa, known for its fascinating blend of history, art, commerce, and community.
"Un luogo dove storia e tradizione interagiscono con botanica, cibo e street art, creando un piccolo cosmo di affascinante diversità," or "A place where history and tradition interact with botany, food, and street art, creating a small cosmos of fascinating diversity," notes the licensed tour guides highlighting the unique synergy of this district.
Participants will traverse the narrow alleys, where historic buildings stand beside vivid murals, each telling stories of Sicilian culture and artistry. The route includes the scenic Passeggiata delle Cattive, where sweeping views of the sea and the city's stunning gulf await. It's here, against the backdrop of this picturesque setting, where one can reflect on the city's innovations, including the launch of the first hot air balloon from this very location back in the 18th century.
Along the tour, guests will also encounter the baroque Chiesa della Pietà, and the Gothic Palazzo Abatellis, which provide a glimpse of the architectural grandeur of the region. The insights will extend to Piazza Magione, where histories intertwine amid murals—testimonies to the city’s strong identity.
One prominent narrative interlinked with Kalsa's legacy is the fight against Italy's mafia. The neighborhood was not only the birthplace of Paolo Borsellino, one of the most revered anti-mafia judges, but also the crucible of significant social movements demanding justice and reform. The guides will expand on these stories, ensuring participants grasp the weight of history carried by this district.
The tour continues through Via Alloro, known for its splendid baroque palaces and artisans reviving the local crafts of Borgo Strafalè, showcasing the neighborhood's resiliency and creative resurrection.
Concluding at the monumental Steri, originally a feudal residence from the 14th century and once housing the Santa inquisizione, attendees will gain insight not only surrounding the structure’s storied past but also its present role as part of the dynamic Kalsa district.
For those interested, it is imperative to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the tour to gather at Piazza Marina, just outside the entrance of Giardino Garibaldi. Reservations are mandatory and can be made through email at [email protected]. The walk will cover approximately 1.5 km and last around two hours, making it accessible for participants of various levels.
Not only does this tour present the opportunity to explore Kalsa’s rich fabric of history and culture, but it also invites the participants to connect with the local community, offering them the chance to appreciate the blend of traditional and modern influences flourishing within this vibrant district of Palermo.