Palermo is located on the northern coast of Sicily . It was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC , and since 1446 it is the administrative center of the homonymous province and the region of Sicily . Thanks to the rule of foreigners , the capital acquired a special unique look . Especially the era of Arab rule is reflected. It was a period of prosperity of the island and it left a lot of architectural masterpieces. Palermo, with Rome , Venice and Florence, is recognized as a city of art. But Palermo is not only historic site, it is also modern broad avenues , chic boutiques, beautiful villas and mansions , beautiful parks and, of course , delicious cuisine.