Overview

A treasure trove of art and history in the heart of Palermo

History, art and tradition come together in one of Sicily’s most fascinating monuments. The Palazzo dei Normanni (Norman Palace, also known as the Royal Palace of Palermo) is a must-see for anyone visiting Palermo. Its rooms tell the history of the capital and of Sicily as a whole, from the first Phoenician settlements to the modern day.

The pride of the palace is the Palatine Chapel, a stunning example of Arab-Norman art. The church, built in 1132 by order of Roger II of Sicily, was the royal family’s private chapel. Look up and prepare to be enchanted by the beautiful golden mosaics that cover the walls and ceiling.
Here, Byzantine, Latin and Arabic cultures combine in a truly unique way. The highlight is undoubtedly the mosaic decorating the dome, which depicts Christ blessing the faithful with his right hand.

Every corner of the Palace holds a little treasure to discover. Be sure not to miss the Sala d’Ercole, now the seat of the Sicilian Regional Parliament, the Sala Pompeiana, with its neoclassical decorations, and the exotic Sala Cinese.