Cassaro, Palermo
View of Palermo (plate n. 56) from Volume 4 of Civitates Orbis Terrarum. Cassaro appears as the long road in the middle of the city. | |
| Native name | u Càssaru (Sicilian) |
|---|---|
| Former name(s) | As-Simat Al-Balat, Platea Marmorea, Via Toledo |
| Length | 1.8 km (1.1 mi) |
| Location | Palermo, Sicily, Italy |
| Coordinates | Quattro Canti: 38°06′57″N 13°21′41″E / 38.11583°N 13.36139°E |
The Cassaro ((Italian: [ˈkassaro]; Sicilian: u Càssaru) is the most ancient street of Palermo. From the late 16th century the street also had the name Via Toledo. Following the unification of Italy, it was officially renamed Via Vittorio Emanuele II (or Corso Vittorio Emanuele II), but the old and distinctive name is still in use. The street is rooted in the age of the foundation of Palermo by the Phoenicians. It provides access to a number of important sights, including the Royal Palace (also known as Palazzo dei Normanni) and the Cathedral, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.