Editing Palermo (section)

== Architecture and culture ==
The historic centre developed around the Cassaro, now known as Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Via Maqueda crosses this route at the Quattro Canti, which marks the meeting point of the four traditional central quarters.

The Palazzo dei Normanni contains the Cappella Palatina, whose interior combines Norman construction with Byzantine mosaic work and decoration derived from Islamic Sicily. Palermo Cathedral was constructed during the Norman period and altered under later governments. The churches of the Martorana and San Cataldo also preserve elements of the city's medieval architectural development.

Seven buildings in Palermo form part of the World Heritage Site known as Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale. The property represents the architectural culture created under the Norman Kingdom of Sicily between 1130 and 1194.<ref name="sicily-culture"/>

Later construction changed the appearance of the central city. Baroque churches and façades were added during Spanish rule, while the Teatro Massimo was completed during the late nineteenth century. Ballarò and Capo remain active food markets within the historic centre.

The University of Palermo was founded in 1806 and is the city's principal higher-education institution. The annual Festino di Santa Rosalia is held in July in honour of the city's patron saint. Italian is used in government and education, while the local form of Sicilian remains in everyday use.