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Palace · Palermo, Sicília
Palazzo dei Normanni
Royal palace of the Normans, seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly. On the first floor is the Cappella Palatina, from 1140, covered in Byzantine mosaics and with a wooden ceiling in an Arabic style.
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 Palazzo dei Normanni
The Palazzo dei Normanni, also called Palazzo Reale, is considered the oldest royal residence in Europe. Built atop fortifications of Phoenician and Arab origin, the Normans made it the seat of the court of the Kingdom of Sicily in the 12th century. Today it houses the Sicilian Regional Assembly, and part of the building is open to visitors.
The highlight is the Cappella Palatina, consecrated in 1140 by Rogério II. The walls and the dome are covered with gold-background mosaics made by Byzantine artists, with Christ Pantocrator at the top. The wooden ceiling of the nave, with muqarnas (the carved honeycombs typical of Islamic art) and paintings, was made by artisans of Arabic tradition. The chapel brings together Latin, Byzantine and Islamic art in a single space.
The route also includes palace halls, such as the Sala di Re Ruggero, with mosaics of animals and plants, and the royal gardens, as well as temporary exhibitions. Some rooms are closed on days when the Assembly is in session, and sections of the chapel may be under restoration: check what is open before you go.
The palace is part of the Arab-Norman Palermo site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors enter via the Piazza del Parlamento, at the end of the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, near the Porta Nuova.
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
Between 1h30 and 2 hours for the chapel, the halls and the gardens.
Best time
Arrive at opening time, preferably on a weekday. The Cappella Palatina receives many groups in mid-morning. On Sundays the chapel may close during mass: check.
How to get there
It is located on the Piazza del Parlamento, about a 15-minute walk from the Quattro Canti along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, passing the cathedral. Several city buses stop at the Piazza Indipendenza, next to it.
Tip
Buy the ticket in advance on the official website in high season. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the chapel. In the chapel, also look at the marble floor and the carved paschal chandelier.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palazzo dei Normanni
Is the Cappella Palatina inside the Palazzo dei Normanni?
Yes, on the first floor of the palace. The visit to the chapel is included with the same ticket as the palace, on routes that change depending on the day.
Do I need to book?
It's not mandatory, but buying in advance avoids queues in high season. Check which routes are open on the day, because some halls close when the Assembly is in session.
Why does the chapel mix styles?
Rogério II brought together artists from different traditions: Byzantine mosaicists, craftsmen of Arabic tradition for the ceiling and Latin masters for the structure. The result is a portrait of the Norman court in Sicily.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, for the chapel: shoulders and knees covered.