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.
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.