Palermo's heart lies hidden under its many outer layers. This guide to the beautiful Sicilian capital uncovers each stratum to reveal its true character. It gives an insight into the city from a lifelong resident's point of view, showcasing its hidden cultural and culinary jewels and portraying its people.

Palermo's heart lies hidden under its many outer layers. In this unusual guide to the beautiful Sicilian capital, Roberto Alajmo uncovers each stratum to reveal its true character. Although disguised as a tourist's handbook, "Palermo" has much more to offer than ordinary recommendations for the intrepid traveller it gives an insight into the city from a lifelong resident's point of view, showcasing its hidden cultural and culinary jewels; portraying its people, and their secrets; and, touching on its politics and contentious mafia involvement. Seeing Palermo with one's own eyes is an ineffable experience, even for Alajmo; the essence of the city, its beauty, is the only aspect left to the reader to discover.