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L’albero dei 150 anni dell’Unità d’Italia: A Living Monument

Marvel at Palermo's giant Ficus macrophylla in Piazza Marina, a living monument to Italy's unification and a testament to nature's grandeur.

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In the heart of Palermo's Piazza Marina stands a magnificent Ficus macrophylla, known as the Tree of the 150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy. Planted around 1861, this colossal tree is considered one of the largest of its kind in Europe, offering a tranquil escape with its sprawling branches and lush foliage.

A brief summary to L’albero dei 150 anni dell’Unità d’Italia (Ficus Macrophylla Subsp)

  • Piazza Marina, Palermo, Metropolitan City of Palermo, 90133, IT
  • Visit website
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit on a Sunday to experience the antique market that takes place in Piazza Marina.
  • Take a stroll through the Villa Garibaldi garden surrounding the tree for a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
  • Explore the nearby Palazzo Chiaramonte (also known as Steri Palace), a historic building that once housed the Inquisition.
  • Enjoy a traditional Sicilian meal at one of the many eateries around Piazza Marina.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Palermo Centrale train station, walk straight along Via Roma for approximately 15 minutes. Turn left onto Via Vittorio Emanuele, and Piazza Marina will be on your right. The tree is located within the Garibaldi Garden in the center of the piazza.

  • Public Transport

    From Palermo Centrale, take bus lines 101, 102, or N2 towards Piazza Marina. Get off at the Roma Vucciria stop, which is a short walk from the piazza. A single bus ticket costs €1.40 and is valid for 90 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Palermo. A taxi ride from Palermo Centrale to Piazza Marina typically takes around 10 minutes and costs approximately €12-€15. Taxi stands are located at the main rail depot.

  • Driving

    If driving, be aware of the Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) in Palermo's city center. Access to the ZTL requires a pass, costing €5 plus €2 per day. Parking near Piazza Marina is available in blue zones for €1 per hour, or in private garages for approximately €10-€15 per day. Free parking is available along Foro Umberto I, a 5-minute walk away.

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Discover more about L’albero dei 150 anni dell’Unità d’Italia (Ficus Macrophylla Subsp)

L’albero dei 150 anni dell’Unità d’Italia (The Tree of the 150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy), a Ficus macrophylla, graces Piazza Marina in Palermo, within the historic Kalsa district. This extraordinary tree, also referred to as the Ficus magnolioide, isn't just a botanical specimen; it's a living monument to Italy's history and natural grandeur. Some say it was planted in 1859, others around 1861. Regardless, it is considered the largest tree in Europe by the Accademia dei Georgofili. Located in the Garibaldi Garden at the center of Piazza Marina, the Ficus has witnessed over a century and a half of Palermo's evolution. Designed in 1863 by Giovan Battista Filippo Basile, who also created the Teatro Massimo, the garden provides a serene setting for this majestic tree. The tree’s aerial roots descend from its branches, transforming into supplementary trunks that support its immense weight, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The tree stands as a silent observer of history, located near the site where New York police officer Joe Petrosino was killed in 1909 while investigating the Mafia. Today, visitors can admire its vast canopy, which stretches over 50 meters, and its base circumference of over 21 meters.

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