Palermo (Italy)

 The vast city lies in the artificially irrigated lowland of the Conca d'Oro (Golden Seashell), lined with hills. The unique combination of Norman and Oriental architecture, Baroque, historical gardens and parks is the unmistakable nature of the historic core. Palmeria, climate, tropical vegetation and people enhance Palermo's charm. But from a close up, you will also notice some carelessness, disorder and resignation.
 The most beautiful local sights include the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti with five oriental domes, a mosque and a unique cloister.
 In Piazza Indipendenza (northwest) is the Palazzo Reale, or Palazzo dei Normanni, where the regional government has its headquarters, as well as the Museum of Astronomy