Renewing Italian Passports & Exploring a UNESCO Wonder

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, embodies the rich and diverse history of the Mediterranean. Nestled on the northern coast of the island, it is a place where ancient ruins, Baroque churches, Arab-Norman architecture, and bustling markets coexist, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. As one of the most culturally significant cities in Italy, Palermo offers visitors a journey through time, blending influences from the many civilizations that have left their mark on the city.

In this blog, we’re sharing our experience renewing our Italian passports in Palermo and exploring one of its UNESCO World Heritage wonders: the stunning Cathedral of Palermo. 

Join us as we navigate the practicalities of passport renewal and immerse ourselves in the beauty of this historic city, rain or shine!

The Questura Di Palermo: Renewing Our Italian Passports

Our first stop was the Questura di Palermo, the local police headquarters, where we had scheduled our passport renewal appointment, as our current ones are set to expire in May 2025. The process was relatively straightforward, and thanks to some helpful advice from Claudio at Urmez Viaggi, a local travel agency, we were able to navigate the bureaucratic maze with ease.

Here’s a breakdown of the steps we took to renew our Italian passports:

• Passport Photos: We started by getting professional passport photos taken at a local shop. The photographer was very clear about the requirements—no glasses (as we were advised to take them off). The cost was 7 euro per person.
• Marca da Bollo (Tax Stamps): Next, we went to a Tabacchino (tobacconist), where we purchased the required tax stamps for 73.50 euro each. These stamps are essential for the passport renewal process.
• Application Form: A stop at the post office followed, where we paid 42.50 euro to get an official Marca da Bollo application form. This form captures our demographic information for the passport.
• Making the Appointment: Once we had our photos, tax stamps, and application form in hand, Claudio arranged our appointment at the Questura di Palermo. The appointment was swift and easy, and in just a few minutes, we were told our new passports would be ready in about 15 days. We even had the option of getting our old passports back—though they clipped the corners off them.
• Cost Breakdown: The total cost for two passport renewals, including the agency fees, was 322 euro—161 euro per passport. We were pleased with the service and felt it was worth it for the convenience.

With our passports renewed, we were officially done with all the paperwork required for our move to Sicily. It was time to explore the beauty of Palermo!

Exploring the Cathedral of Palermo: A UNESCO Wonder

After the bureaucratic hustle, we headed to one of Palermo’s most iconic landmarks: the Cathedral of Palermo, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases an incredible fusion of Norman, Byzantine, and Arab architecture. The cathedral, originally built in 1184 by the Normans, has undergone several transformations over the centuries, incorporating elements from different cultures that have shaped Sicily’s rich history.

As we entered the cathedral, we were immediately struck by the stunning artwork and the impressive dome ceiling vaults. The interior is adorned with intricate carvings and breathtaking paintings that tell the story of this sacred place. The cathedral also houses the tombs of historical figures such as Roger II and Holy Roman Emperors Henry VI and Frederick II.

Visitors can access the main church for free, but for an additional 7 euro, they can explore the tombs, crypts, and terraces. We opted for the free entry and spent some time taking in the awe-inspiring beauty of the church. A word of advice: If you plan to visit, be sure to dress modestly—shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.

A Taste of Palermo: Coffee and Pastries at Morocco Cafe

After the cathedral visit, the rain was still coming down, so we ducked into Morocco Cafe, a charming café in the heart of Palermo. We enjoyed a cappuccino and an espresso while watching the world go by. The cappuccino was rich and creamy, and the espresso packed a punch. Others were trying some delicious Sicilian pastries, and the café’s lively atmosphere made it the perfect pit stop.

The café is located in a prime tourist area, and despite the rain, it was bustling with people. Croce’s espresso was 2 euro, and my cappuccino was 3 euro—certainly a bit pricier than usual, but the prime location and the warmth of the café made it worth every cent.

Artisan Shops and the Vibrant Streets of Palermo

As the rain continued, we strolled through the streets of Palermo, passing through the Palermo piazza, where we found numerous artisan shops selling handmade treasures and local crafts. The shops are a true reflection of Palermo’s artistic spirit, and we couldn’t resist exploring the beautiful and unique items on offer.

The Via Vittorio Emanuele was lined with various shops, each showcasing different aspects of Sicilian culture, from intricate jewelry to colorful ceramics. The streets were alive with energy, and the rain did little to dampen the city’s spirit.

Our day in Palermo was a perfect blend of practicality and discovery. We successfully renewed our passports, explored a UNESCO wonder, and indulged in some delicious Sicilian coffee—all while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic city.

Whether you’re in Palermo for business, to Italian passport renewal, or to explore, this city offers something for everyone. From the easy passport renewal process to architectural marvels like the Cathedral of Palermo, Palermo invites visitors to experience the perfect mix of old-world charm and modern-day convenience.

We hope our journey inspires you to visit Palermo, where history, culture, and the beauty of Sicily come alive. And, as we’ve learned, rain or shine, this city will never disappoint.