Four Corners (Quattro Canti)

Officially called Piazza Vigliena, Quattro Canti was built in the 17th century at the crossing of Palermo’s two principal thoroughfares, an important feat of urban planning at the time. The square is octogonal, with four streets forming the sides, and four curved palace facades marking the corners. Each palace boasts an ornate fountain with statues representing the four seasons, the four Spanish kings of Sicily, and the four patron saints of Palermo.

To best appreciate the architecture, visit this important square with a guide as part of a Palermo walking tour or shore excursion. Most walking tours of Palermo’s historic center stroll through the square and visit other top attractions like the Duomo, Royal Palace, and Massimo Theater. Otherwise, you can join a hop-on-hop-off bus tour and explore the square and other sights independently.

• Walking tours of Palermo require a significant amount of time outdoors, so wear sunscreen and a hat in summer.
• Touring the historic center requires quite a bit of walking, so wear comfortable footwear.
• There is heavy traffic in the square, so visit with caution.
• The square is accessible to wheelchair users, though the passing cars make it a challenge to navigate safely.

The Quattro Canti is located in Palermo's historic center, within walking distance from the port and train station. You can reach Sicily from mainland Italy by ferry, train, or plane.

Because of its flow of cars and buses during the day, try to visit the Quattro Canti during quieter early mornings or late afternoons.

The Quattro Canti mark the entrances to Palermo’s four most historic neighborhoods with statues of their patron saints: Albergheria to the south, guarded by Santa Cristina di Bolsena; Capo to the west, guarded by Santa Ninfa; La Loggia to the north, guarded by Santa Olivia di Palermo; and Kalsa to the east, guarded by Sant’Agata.

Palermo’s famous square (technically, an octagon) was built in 1611 to honor a Spanish Viceroy. The official name is Piazza Vigilena, but everyone calls it Four Corners. It marks the intersection between two busy streets: Via Maqueda, running through the historic center, and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Palermo's oldest street.

Via Maqueda and Corso Vittorio Emanuele are pedestrianized streets, making it easy to move around and explore. No guide is needed; you may even stumble upon Four Corners without realizing it. However, you may want to use a guide who can explain the Baroque landmark’s unique heritage.

If you’re looking to take photos or videos without crowds in the way, consider coming around sunrise. If that's too early, try the pre-sunset golden hour, although be prepared for some hubbub. The area comes alive in the evening with street musicians and performers.

Like any baroque monument, Four Corners is famously intricate. The statues represent Spanish rulers and Palermo’s four patron saints: Agata, Ninfa, Oliva, and Cristina. Figures above each of the four fountains represent the four seasons, and the fountains depict four rivers that once flowed through Palermo.

No. The Four Corners of Palermo is free since the attraction is situated at a busy intersection in the heart of the historic district. You can reach it at any time of day or night. Many people enjoy admiring the sun-drenched facade throughout the day.

Yes. The Four Corners marks the start of the tourist-packed Old City center, and many guided tours stop here. Choose from many walking tours, including those focused on Palermo’s street food. Other tours explore nearby churches, markets, and monuments such as Teatro Massimo, a 19th-century opera house.