Palermo in 1 Day for Seniors - Walk through La Kalsa, Palermo’s historic quarter
In Collaboration with Gobo Tours Italy. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Join an immersive 3-hour evening walk through the historic La Kalsa neighborhood of Palermo. The guide visits real locations connected to Sicily’s anti‑mafia movement, focusing on the lives and work of Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino and on mafia turncoats who grew up in La Kalsa. The route is roughly 1.6 km (1 mile), mostly shaded, and includes 10 important sites (three major crime scenes).
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Gobo Tours Italy, inspired by the tour Anti-Mafia Heroes Evening Walking Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Walk through La Kalsa, Palermo’s historic quarter
- Stories of Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino
- Visit three major mafia crime sites and other anti‑mafia landmarks
- Stop at a Punto Pizzo (pizzo‑free) shop supporting businesses that refuse extortion
- Learn about ongoing community efforts against organized crime
Itinerary
Day 1
3-hour guided walking tour starting in front of Ciccio Passami l'Olio (Via Castrofilippo 4). The tour follows the provided agenda items in order with short walking segments between stops, commentary, and time for questions. Not wheelchair accessible.
Meeting point — Ciccio Passami l'Olio (meet by the Falcone birthplace plaque)
Meet your guide in front of the restaurant Ciccio Passami l'Olio at Via Castrofilippo 4. The guide will wait by the plaque marking Giovanni Falcone’s birthplace and introduce the route and safety notes.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early so the group can depart promptly at 16:30.
- Bring your booking confirmation/voucher on your phone—your guide will check names at the plaque in front of the restaurant.
- This meeting spot is on a narrow street; if mobility is limited, notify the guide in advance so stops can be paced and seating prioritized.
Crime site: Via Immacolatella 5 (Caravaggio theft connection)
Visit the first of the three major crime scenes on the route. The guide will explain the theft of Caravaggio’s Nativity, what investigators (including Falcone) uncovered, and the historical context.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a short standing/close-up discussion at the exact location; benches are limited so bring a lightweight folding seat if needed.
- Wear comfortable, flat shoes—the pavement is uneven in places.
- If you need to sit during explanations, tell the guide; the guide will plan brief rest breaks between nearby stops.
Punto Pizzo Free shop stop (Via Vittorio Emanuele)
Learn about the Punto Pizzo movement that supports businesses refusing to pay mafia extortion. The stop includes viewing local products; optional purchases and refreshments are available but not required.
Tips from local experts:
- Optional refreshments are paid separately; bring small change or a card—some vendors may prefer card payment.
- If you prefer minimal walking, request seating while the guide explains the Punto Pizzo movement and the shop’s role.
- Keep purchases compact—there is continued walking after this stop and limited luggage storage on the tour.
Piazza Marina — site where Joe Petrosino was killed
At Piazza Marina the guide recounts the story of Italian‑American police officer Joe Petrosino and the historical significance of this location in the fight against organized crime.
Tips from local experts:
- Piazza Marina is an open square with shaded areas under trees; arrive ready for a 20–30 minute standing talk and Q&A.
- Watch for light vehicle traffic around the square; remain with the group and follow the guide’s directions when standing near road edges.
- Benches are available in the square—seniors who need to sit should do so early to stay comfortable during the explanation.
Borsellino family pharmacy / community center (Via della Vetriera 57)
Visit the building that housed the Borsellino family pharmacy, now a community center dedicated to supporting local families and preventing mafia recruitment. The guide will explain its contemporary role and history.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop may include entering a community space; follow local signage and any guidance from staff regarding photography and movement inside.
- If interior access is limited, the guide will present the history from outside and offer additional context—ask questions for clarification.
- Respect privacy where the center serves families—keep voices low and avoid obstructing entryways.
Piazza della Kalsa — where Falcone and Borsellino’s friendship began; tour close & Q&A
Conclude in Piazza della Kalsa with reflections on Falcone and Borsellino, the broader history of Cosa Nostra, and ongoing anti‑mafia efforts. This final segment includes summary commentary, time for questions, and practical recommendations for further reading (book and film list provided).
Tips from local experts:
- The final stop includes an extended seated or standing wrap-up—plan for remaining with the group until approximately 19:30.
- If you require a taxi or short transfer at the end, ask the guide in advance so they can suggest nearby pickup points with easier access.
- Take photos discreetly and be aware that some nearby community spaces prefer quiet; the guide will flag any restricted areas before concluding.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Restaurant, Culture, Shopping, Attraction, Neighborhood |