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Historical places

Albero in Memoria di Paolo Borsellino

4.9 · 736 reviews
A quiet and solemn place for contemplation.
Albero in Memoria di Paolo Borsellino, V. Mariano D'Amelio, 90143 Palermo PA, Italy
Interesting facts
1

The olive tree was brought from the Holy Land of Jerusalem to represent peace and justice.

2

The street name Via Mariano D'Amelio was the site of the first 'car bomb' attack against a high-ranking judiciary figure in Sicily.

3

Many of the notes and messages left at the tree are archived by the Centro Studi to preserve the collective memory of the event.

4

The tree is surrounded by a metal fence to protect it, which is often covered in colorful ribbons and mementos left by visitors.

Overview

The Albero in Memoria di Paolo Borsellino is an olive tree located at the site of the 1992 Via D'Amelio bombing in Palermo. It serves as the primary focal point for commemorations of Judge Paolo Borsellino and his five bodyguards who were killed in the mafia attack. The olive tree, donated by the mother of a police officer who died in the attack, symbolizes resilience and the fight against organized crime. Visitors frequently leave handwritten letters, photographs, and personal notes tied to the tree's branches. The site is maintained by the Centro Studi Paolo e Rita Borsellino. It remains an active symbol of the Italian anti-mafia movement.

Photo spot

From the sidewalk directly facing the tree to capture the messages left on the fence.

Insider tips

Bring a pen and paper if you wish to leave a personal tribute, as many visitors choose to contribute their own messages.

Visit quietly; this is a place of profound local importance and active mourning for many residents.

Check the official website for dates of public ceremonies, as crowds increase significantly on the anniversary of the attack.

What to avoid

Do not treat the tree as a standard tourist photo opportunity; remember its context as a memorial site.

Etiquette

Maintain a respectful and subdued demeanor; avoid loud conversations or disruptive behavior.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
30-45 minutes
Best time to visit
Early morning to avoid the midday heat and mid-afternoon crowds.
Address
Albero in Memoria di Paolo Borsellino, V. Mariano D'Amelio, 90143 Palermo PA, Italy
38.143, 13.355
Get directions
Details
Historical SignificanceSite of the 1992 Mafia bombing in Palermo.
Memorial TypeLiving monument and archive of public messages.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 30-45 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning to avoid the midday heat and mid-afternoon crowds..

From the sidewalk directly facing the tree to capture the messages left on the fence.

Close by you'll find Teatro Massimo di Palermo, Palermo Cathedral, Teatro Politeama Garibaldi.