Going Underground: Discovering the Palermo Qanat

Palermo’s underground tunnels, known as the Qanat, date back to the Arabian domination of Sicily and are now open to the public.

Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, is well known for its beautiful architecture, especially its Baroque buildings. However, Palermo also hides a secret beneath the city streets: the ancient Qanat.

The Qanat are a series of underground tunnels that date back to the Arabian domination of Sicily. They were once used as an ancient water transport system, bringing water to the city from the country springs.

The best Palermo Qanat can be found beneath Via Nave and Corso Calatafimi, as this area was reserved for royal gardens and palaces, and also boasted intricate fountains and exotic plants. Today, you can visit the Palermo Qanat on a fascinating underground tour.

Visiting the Palermo Qanat

Visiting the Qanat today is a unique experience that you can enjoy on a Sicily package holiday. As a part of the tour, you will be provided with special clothing, including rubber boots and a waterproof jacket, as well as equipment, such as a helmet and harness. Then, you will decend deep beneath Palermo’s city streets to a depth of 15 metres!

During this journey, you will be able to witness the fascinating intricacies of the tunnels, including the slopes and structures used to allow the seamless flow of water. As a part of the experience, your guide will explain the history of the tunnels, including their original construction and how they have helped experts understand the Arabic culture of Sicily.

If you would like to visit the Palermo Qanat as part of a tailor-made Sicily package holiday, contact an expert member of our team to find out more about our personalised travel service. We specialise in Sicily package holidays and can create a unique, dream vacation around your wants and needs, including a guided excursion to the Palermo Qanat. To find out more, call us on (UK) 01223 637331 or (US) 347-594-5500, or click here to send an online enquiry.

Note: We do not recommend visiting the Palermo Qanat if you suffer from claustrophobia.