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Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri: A Window into Palermo's Past

Explore Palermo's Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri: A Gothic masterpiece with centuries of Sicilian history etched in its walls.

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Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri, a striking Gothic palace in Palermo, stands as a testament to Sicily's rich and often turbulent history. Built in the 14th century, it served as a noble residence, a seat of power for Spanish Viceroys, and infamously, a tribunal of the Holy Inquisition, leaving behind a legacy etched in stone and the haunting graffiti of its prisoners.

A brief summary to Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and admission fees, as they can vary seasonally.
  • Consider joining a guided tour to fully appreciate the palace's history and the stories behind the Inquisition prison's graffiti.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby Giardino Garibaldi or a visit to the International Puppet Museum, both within walking distance.
  • Be aware that the palace is located within Palermo's Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL). Check regulations if driving.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri is located on Piazza Marina in the Kalsa district, a short walk from many central Palermo landmarks. From the Quattro Canti, walk east along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, then turn left onto Via Vittorio Colonna. Piazza Marina will be on your right. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines stop near Piazza Marina. From Palermo Centrale train station, take bus lines 101, 102, or 107 to the Roma Vucciria stop, a 1-minute walk from the palace. A single ticket costs €1.40 and is valid for 90 minutes. Alternatively, a day ticket costs €3.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Palermo. A taxi from Palermo Centrale train station to Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri will cost approximately €12-€15 and take about 10 minutes. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri

Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri, located on Piazza Marina in Palermo's Kalsa district, is a powerful architectural statement and a repository of Sicilian history. Constructed in the early 14th century by the Chiaramonte family, it exemplifies the unique Chiaramonte Gothic style, a blend of Islamic, Norman, and Gothic influences. Initially a noble residence, the Palazzo witnessed the rise and fall of the Chiaramonte dynasty. After the family's downfall, it became home to Spanish Viceroys in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. However, its most notorious period began in 1600 when it was converted into a tribunal for the Holy Inquisition, a role it served until 1782. Today, Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri serves as both a museum and the seat of the University of Palermo's Rectorate. Visitors can explore the grand halls, including the Sala Magna with its remarkable painted wooden ceiling depicting chivalrous and biblical scenes. The palace also houses the Vucciria painting by Renato Guttuso. The stark contrast lies in the former Inquisition prison, where the walls are covered in graffiti, drawings, and writings left by prisoners awaiting trial and often torture, offering a chilling glimpse into their suffering. The building itself bears witness to its layered past. The exterior features large double and triple lancet windows, while inside, the courtyard showcases pointed arches resting on columns. The grooves left by iron cages, where the heads of executed nobles were displayed, can still be seen on the facade, a grim reminder of the palace's darker days.

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