Mondello

Mondello is a district in the north-west of Palermo with a sandy beach about 1.5 kilometers long. It lies on a semicircular bay between Monte Pellegrino and Monte Gallo. The Parco della Favorita, an urban park of about 400 hectares laid out in the late 18th century, separates it from the city center. Together with Addaura and Partanna, Mondello forms the district of Partanna-Mondello.

How did Mondello become a seaside resort?

Mondello was long a fishing village with a tuna-fishing station from the 15th century. The land behind it was a marsh that people from Palermo avoided because of malaria. Against pirate raids, defensive towers were built between the 15th and 17th centuries. Drainage of the Valdesi marsh began in 1891, prompted by Prince Francesco Lanza di Scalea. A seaside resort followed, where wealthy families had Art Nouveau villas built from 1912 onwards, many of them by Ernesto Basile and his students.

What is there to see on the beach?

The most eye-catching building is the Art Nouveau bathing house of 1913, designed by the architect Rudolf Stualker, who had originally conceived it for Ostend in Belgium. It stands on 204 reinforced-concrete pillars above the water. In Palermo it is called “Charleston”, after the restaurant that occupied it from 1969 to 2010. The beach has seasonal bars and restaurants. The water is clear and shallow. The bay is semicircular: Monte Pellegrino closes it to the south-east and Monte Gallo to the north-west.

When is Mondello busiest?

In the summer months the beaches are well frequented by tourists and locals. In the off-season the beach is quiet, and many beach bars are closed.

What is there to do nearby?

• The Capo Gallo nature reserve at the northern end of the bay has hiking trails and viewpoints.
• Monte Pellegrino to the south frames the bay.
• The center of Palermo can be reached by bus.