Villa Giulia is one of Palermo’s prettiest green escapes. Created in 1775 in a neoclassical style, this public garden was named after Giulia Guevara, the wife of Viceroy Marcantonio Colonna. Free to enter and wonderfully romantic, it’s a peaceful spot filled with tall palm trees, centuries-old specimens, and the scent of citrus trees in bloom. If you’re looking for a quiet corner, head to the four semicircular pavilions around the central esplanade. Over the years they’ve hosted concerts, and today they’re perfect backdrops for photos. Don’t be fooled by the grand neoclassical gate facing the sea—it’s closed. The real entrance is on Via Lincoln, through Porta Carolina. At the heart of the park, you’ll find its most iconic feature: a twelve-sided sundial, supported by the statue of a crouching man. Once you’ve explored, take a seat under one of the pavilions or on a shaded bench and enjoy the calm. Villa Giulia isn’t just a garden, it’s one of the very first public parks in Italy and a beloved retreat for Palermitans.