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Palermo is the capital city of the autonomous region of Sicily, in southern Italy, with a population of 630,167 inhabitants. Located on the northern coast of the island along the Tyrrhenian Sea, Palermo has been a major Mediterranean city for more than two millennia. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BCE, it later came under Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish rule, each leaving a lasting imprint on its culture and architecture.
During the Middle Ages, Palermo flourished as the capital of the Kingdom of Sicily under Norman rule, becoming one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities. This layered history is reflected in its architectural heritage, notably the Palatine Chapel, Palermo Cathedral, and the Norman Palace, all part of the UNESCO-listed Arab-Norman Palermo complex. The city is also known for landmarks such as the Teatro Massimo, one of the largest opera houses in Europe.
Palermo has played an important role in modern Italian political and cultural life. Notable people born in the city include Sergio Mattarella, the current President of Italy.
Palermo in Italy
13.4° E
Palermo Population Evolution
The population of Palermo in 2026 is estimated to 607,220 inhabitants. This estimate is taken from our extrapolation of available data and not an official estimate.
Population Summary
| Year | Population | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1861 | 199,911 | |
| 1911 | 339,465 | +69.8% |
| 1961 | 587,985 | +73.2% |
| 2001 | 686,722 | +16.8% |
| 2023 | 630,167 | -8.2% |
Interactive Map of Palermo
What to see in Palermo
Palermo Cathedral
Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele
Cappella Palatina
Martorana
Palazzo dei Normanni
Chiesa di San Cataldo
Catacombe dei Cappuccini
San Giovanni degli Eremiti
Zisa Palace
Famous People Born in Palermo
Agatho
writerSergius I
Catholic priestSergio Mattarella
judgepresident of Italy (2015-present)
Salvatore Schillaci
association football playerMario Balotelli
association football playerSister Cities of Palermo
Sister cities, also known as twin cities, are formal partnerships between cities in different countries to promote cultural and commercial ties.
This list is based on publicly available structured data and may differ slightly from official municipal publications.
| City | Country | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Chengdu | 🇨🇳 People's Republic of China | 20,937,757 |
| Hanoi | 🇻🇳 Vietnam | 7,587,800 |
| Samara | 🇷🇺 Russia | 1,154,223 |
| Tbilisi | 🇬🇪 Georgia | 1,118,035 |
| Ottawa | 🇨🇦 Canada | 1,017,449 |
| Palermo | 🇨🇴 Colombia | 800,000 |
| Bukavu | 🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo | 707,053 |
| Düsseldorf | 🇩🇪 Germany | 631,217 |
| Yaroslavl | 🇷🇺 Russia | 567,443 |
| Sekondi-Takoradi | 🇬🇭 Ghana | 539,548 |
| Santiago de Cuba | 🇨🇺 Cuba | 444,851 |
| Miami | 🇺🇸 United States | 442,241 |
| Montpellier | 🇫🇷 France | 310,240 |
| Timișoara | 🇷🇴 Romania | 250,849 |
| Khan Yunis | 🇵🇸 Palestine | 142,637 |
| Grand-Bassam | 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast | 124,567 |
| Pistoia | 🇮🇹 Italy | 88,990 |
| Bizerte | 🇹🇳 Tunisia | 46,700 |
| Monterey | 🇺🇸 United States | 30,218 |
| Sestu | 🇮🇹 Italy | 20,773 |
| Valletta | 🇲🇹 Malta | 6,444 |
| Palermo, Argentina | 🇦🇷 Argentina | — |
Books about Palermo
Palermo (Armchair Traveller)
Blending travel writing and personal insight, this book conveys the character and hidden cultural gems of Palermo through the eyes of a lifelong resident.
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Palermo, Italy: Including its History, the Palermo Cathedral, the Palazzo Isnello, Mount Pellegrino, the Teatro Massimo, and More
A broad travel and history overview that discusses Palermo’s major sites, such as the cathedral and Teatro Massimo, alongside historical context and sightseeing information.
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