Palermo is the capital of the Sicily region, located on the northwest coast of the island, facing the Tyrrhenian Sea. With a population of approximately 625,956 inhabitants in the city and about 1.2 million in its metropolitan area, it is one of the largest and most populated cities in the Mediterranean. Palermo stands out for its rich multicultural history, the result of the influence of Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards, which is reflected in its architecture, gastronomy and traditions. The city is located in a fertile basin called Conca d'Oro, surrounded by mountains and with a strategic natural port. It is a key cultural, economic and tourist center in Sicily, famous for its Mediterranean climate, its UNESCO World Heritage Site artistic heritage, and its vibrant urban life. Palermo combines historical monuments such as the Cathedral, the Norman Palace and emblematic neighborhoods such as Kalsa, with world-renowned gastronomy and intense commercial and industrial activity.