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Palace · Palermo, Sicília
La Zisa
Summer palace of the Norman kings, begun by Guilherme I around 1165, with the muqarnas fountain room. It houses a museum of Islamic art.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About La Zisa
La Zisa was built as the summer palace of the Norman kings, begun by Guilherme I around 1165 and completed by Guilherme II. The name comes from the Arabic al-ʿAzīza, 'the splendid'. It stood in a large royal hunting park and gardens, the Genoardo, outside the walls.
The building is a rectangular stone block with facades of blind arches and a ventilation system designed to cool the interiors in the heat. On the ground floor the Sala della Fontana has walls with mosaics, muqarnas niches and a fountain that sent water along a channel to the reflecting pool in front.
Today the palace houses a museum of Islamic art, with everyday objects, metalwork, ceramics and muxarabis. In front is a garden inspired by Arabic models. La Zisa is part of the Arab‑Norman ensemble of Palermo recognized by UNESCO.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
In the morning on a weekday. Combine the visit with the Catacombe dei Cappuccini, which are nearby.
How to get there
It is on the Piazza Zisa, west of the centre, about a 25‑minute walk from the Quattro Canti or reachable by urban bus. The Catacombe dei Cappuccini are about a 10‑minute walk away.
Tip
Check the opening hours, which change on Sundays. It's worth going up to the top floor to see the structure and the view over the city.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about La Zisa
What is La Zisa?
A summer palace of the Norman kings from the 12th century, with a fountain hall decorated with mosaics and muqarnas.
How to combine it with other sites?
The Catacombe dei Cappuccini are about a 10-minute walk away. The Cantieri Culturali alla Zisa, a cultural centre in a former factory, are right next door.
Is it worth visiting if I have little time?
If time is short, prioritize the Cappella Palatina, the cathedral and Monreale. La Zisa is a good complement for the second or third day.