Perhaps Napoli is Palermo's closest rival in the What road-rules? contest, but this aside the capital of Sicily is a melting pot of cultures, colours, tastes, architecture, history and experiences. Writers, poets and artists have all tried to capture the charm and spirit of the town over the years, and the eastern influences only add to the atmosphere. The outer surface may look scruffy and dilapidated but look a little closer and you will see the hybridisation of buildings from various invasions over the centuries - Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and Normans have all left their mark on this extraordinary city. 13th C Gothic churches topped with 10th C minarets, Spanish baroque buildings inlaid with Persian mosaics, just when you think you know when it was built, look again. Check out the Palazzo Reale, Capella Palatina, Il Capo Cathedral and the Museo Archeologico Regionale .