Palermo in 1 Day for Seniors - Meet by the Falcone birthplace plaque at Ciccio Passami l'Olio
In Collaboration with Gobo Tours Italy. Updated on February 4, 2026.
A calm, accessible version of the Anti‑Mafia Heroes Evening Walking Tour through La Kalsa and Piazza Marina. The 3‑hour, mostly shaded 1.6 km / 1 mile route focuses on Giovanni Falcone, Paolo Borsellino and local anti‑mafia initiatives. This plan keeps walking short, adds regular seating/rest breaks, and includes an optional café stop.
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
- Meet by the Falcone birthplace plaque at Ciccio Passami l'Olio
- Visit three major crime sites including the Caravaggio theft location
- Learn about anti‑pizzo (anti‑extortion) projects and community renewal
- Stop for an optional seated aperitivo at a nearby pastry café
- Finish with reflections in Piazza della Kalsa
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening walking tour through La Kalsa and Piazza Marina. Start 16:30 — please arrive 10 minutes early to locate the guide by the plaque.
Meet: Ciccio Passami l'Olio — Falcone birthplace plaque (gathering point)
Meet your guide in front of the restaurant Ciccio Passami l'Olio at Via Castrofilippo 4. The guide will wait by the plaque that marks Giovanni Falcone’s birthplace and give a short safety & accessibility briefing.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10 minutes early so you can find the plaque and pick a nearby bench — the guide will start promptly at 16:30.
- This spot is easily reached by short taxi from central hotels; if you prefer to avoid cobbles, ask the driver to stop on Via Castrofilippo close to the restaurant door.
- If you use a folding cane or small walker, keep it handy — the guide will point out the best places to sit during the walk.
Ruderi della casa natale del giudice Falcone — short onsite visit
See the ruins/plaque that mark the childhood home of Judge Giovanni Falcone. The guide explains Falcone’s early life and links to later anti‑mafia investigations.
Tips from local experts:
- There is limited step-free access in this small area; stand near the edge of the plaque where there’s room to sit and rest.
- Evening shade keeps temperatures pleasant in May, but bring a light cardigan for the breeze after sundown.
- Avoid standing in the narrow street — benches and low walls nearby offer comfortable viewing for those who prefer to sit.
Crime site 1 — Via Immacolatella 5 (Caravaggio theft site)
Visit the first major crime scene: the area associated with the theft of Caravaggio’s Nativity. The guide recounts Falcone’s findings and the art‑crime investigation.
Tips from local experts:
- Cobblestones are common here — wear comfortable, low‑heeled shoes and take short steps on uneven sections.
- There is limited seating at this stop; if you need to rest, tell the guide to pause at the nearest bench or café doorway.
- For clearer hearing in the open square, stand to the side of traffic flow and close to the guide; they will repeat key facts for small groups.
Punto Pizzo — anti‑extortion (Pizzo Free) shop visit
Stop at a Punto Pizzo shop/project to learn about the anti‑pizzo movement supporting businesses that refuse extortion and to see local products produced under anti‑mafia initiatives.
Tips from local experts:
- Most Punto Pizzo locations are small; ask staff for a seated overview and allow them to bring samples to you if standing is difficult.
- If you buy small items, ask for a paper bag — it’s easier to carry than multiple shopping bags while walking.
- If you prefer to skip the marketplace bustle, the guide can share the background story from a quieter corner outside the shop.
Optional seated aperitivo / light refreshment — Pasticceria Spinnato
Mid‑tour seated break at a traditional Palermo pastry café. Refreshments are optional and paid separately — bottled water or a light aperitivo is recommended.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose indoor seating at Pasticceria Spinnato for step‑free access and a restroom — tell staff you need a table with easy access.
- Order bottled water or a small granite/gelato; staff understand small orders from guests on a walking tour.
- If you’re sensitive to sugar, request a lightly sweetened beverage — baristas are used to tailoring smaller servings.
Piazza Marina — Joe Petrosino memorial site
Visit Piazza Marina to learn the story of Joe Petrosino and the early fight against organized crime. The square offers benches and shaded areas for comfortable listening.
Tips from local experts:
- Piazza Marina has many benches under fig and ficus trees — pick a shaded seat before the guide speaks for better comfort.
- This is a good restroom opportunity if needed; outdoor café restrooms near the square are usually accessible for a small purchase.
- If you’d like a quieter listening spot, walk slightly off the central path toward the Garibaldi tree area — less foot traffic there in the evening.
Borsellino family pharmacy (community centre) — Via della Vetriera 57
Short visit to the former Borsellino family pharmacy, now a community centre devoted to anti‑mafia prevention and local support work in Kalsa.
Tips from local experts:
- Entrance to community centres can be narrow; if you have mobility needs, ask the guide to arrange a brief exterior explanation rather than entering.
- Community staff are welcoming — if you want a quiet conversation, ask your guide to introduce you after the group talk.
- Evening visits are calmer and less crowded; carry a small torch on dim streets if you need extra light walking to and from the door.
Piazza della Kalsa — where Falcone & Borsellino’s friendship began
Reflective stop in Piazza della Kalsa where the guide will describe the personal and community relationships that underpinned anti‑mafia activism.
Tips from local experts:
- This square is largely step‑free and has low walls to sit on; use them for rest while the guide speaks.
- Evening in May is pleasant but can cool — a light wrap helps you stay comfortable during the final reflections.
- If walking back to your accommodation will be tiring, request the guide’s help to call a short taxi from the square — taxis are readily available nearby.
Closing Q&A and wrap — gentle return & recommendations
Final 40‑minute wrap up and Q&A. The guide summarises key points, recommends nearby accessible museums and restaurants for a quiet dinner, and helps guests find taxis if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this time to ask the guide for personalized suggestions — they can recommend accessible dining options and quieter routes back to your hotel.
- If you need a taxi, ask the guide to call one for you or direct you to the nearest official taxi stand to avoid hailing on the street.
- Take a moment to note the names/addresses the guide gives for later — they will often recommend small museums and community projects with good seating and short walks.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 9 |
| Total Places | 9 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Shopping, Meal, Culture, Neighborhood, Experience |