Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel, Palermo Travel Guide

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Discover Palermo's Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel: A stunning blend of Norman, Byzantine, and Islamic art and history.

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Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel

The Royal Palace of Palermo, also known as the Norman Palace, stands as a testament to Sicily's rich history. Within its walls lies the Palatine Chapel, a stunning blend of Byzantine, Norman, and Islamic artistic styles. Commissioned in 1132 by King Roger II, the chapel is renowned for its breathtaking golden mosaics, intricate wooden ceiling, and harmonious fusion of diverse cultural influences.

A brief summary to Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel

Piazza del Parlamento, 1, Palermo, Metropolitan City of Palermo, 90134, IT
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Monday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 8:30 am-12:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel.

Book your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful experience.
Dress respectfully when visiting the chapel; shoulders and knees should be covered.
Check the official website for closure dates or altered opening hours due to special events or parliamentary sessions.
Consider a guided tour to fully appreciate the rich history and artistry of the palace and chapel.

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Getting There

Walking

From Palermo Cathedral, walk straight along Corso Vittorio Emanuele towards Piazza del Parlamento. The Royal Palace will be on your left, approximately a 10-15 minute walk. No costs involved.
Public Transport

From Palermo Centrale train station, take bus lines 101 or 107 to the 'Indipendenza Palazzo Reale' stop. The Royal Palace is a short walk from the bus stop. A single bus ticket costs €1.40.
Taxi

From anywhere in central Palermo, a taxi to the Royal Palace will cost approximately €14-€18, depending on traffic. The journey usually takes around 7-10 minutes.

Discover more about Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel

Located in Palermo, the Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel showcase the grandeur of Norman Sicily. The palace, erected on the city's highest point, has foundations dating back to Punic settlements. Under Arab rule, it evolved into a fortress before the Normans transformed it into a royal palace in 1072. King Roger II's crowning in 1130 marked the beginning of the Palatine Chapel's construction, completed around 1140.The Palatine Chapel is a dazzling mix of Byzantine, Islamic, and Latin artistry. The chapel's golden mosaics are its most striking feature, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The architecture reflects a unique cultural blend, crafted by Byzantine, Muslim, and Latin artisans. The wooden muqarnas ceiling adds an Islamic touch, while the sanctuary, dedicated to Saint Peter, follows Byzantine design with three apses.Visitors can explore the Royal Apartments, admire the Hall of Roger, adorned with mosaics of exotic animals, and wander through the Maqueda Courtyard. Today, the palace houses the Sicilian Regional Assembly, blending historical significance with modern function. A visit to the Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel offers an immersive journey through Sicily's vibrant past.