Your Guided Tour Experience
Discover Palazzo Dei Normanni Complex
Immerse yourself in history as you explore the Palazzo Dei Normanni Complex. Built in the ninth century by the Emir of Palermo on ancient Punic and Arab foundations, this architectural marvel stands as the highest point in the old city.
Witness the rich heritage of Sicily as the Normans took over in 1072, shaping Palermo into the county capital. The Norman monarchs resided in the castle, which was later rebuilt and expanded into a series of interconnected structures surrounded by lush gardens.
Step inside the breathtaking Palatine Chapel, commissioned by King Roger II in 1132. Admire the intricate Arab-Norman-Byzantine architectural fusion and marvel at the Byzantine mosaics depicting religious scenes throughout the chapel.
Highlights of the Palazzo Dei Normanni Complex
Explore the two picturesque courtyards within the Palace, each adorned with Renaissance loggias and ornate staircases. The Maqueda Courtyard and the Courtyard of the Fountain offer a glimpse into the past, while the Pisan Tower and the Treasure Tower stand as testaments to the complex's history.
Designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Palatine Chapel and Norman Palace are must-see attractions. Visitors can tour the Royal Apartments when the Sicilian parliament is not in session, and marvel at the Salone d'Ercole adorned with impressive murals depicting the twelve labors of Hercules.
Don't miss the Cappella Palatina, a stunning blend of Latin, Byzantine, and Islamic influences, serving as the centerpiece of this historical site.
