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Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri: A Palermo Landmark

Explore Palermo's Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri: a captivating blend of history, art, and architecture in a 14th-century palace.

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Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri, located in Palermo, is a historic palace showcasing a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. Built in the 14th century, it has served as a noble residence, a seat of the Holy Inquisition, and now houses the University of Palermo's art collections.

A brief summary to Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri

  • Monday 9 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-7 pm
  • Friday 9 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Check the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and any special events or exhibitions.
  • Consider joining a guided tour to fully appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the palace.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby Giardino Garibaldi or a visit to the International Puppet Museum.
  • Allow ample time to explore the various rooms and art collections within the palace.
  • Look for the drawings, paintings, and writings of the imprisoned people on the walls.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri is located on Piazza Marina in the Kalsa district. From Palermo Centrale train station, walk straight along Via Roma, then turn left onto Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Continue until you reach Piazza Marina and the Giardino Garibaldi. The palace is on the east side of the piazza. Walking time is approximately 20-25 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Palermo Centrale, take bus lines 101, 102, 107, or 226 to Piazza Marina. Get off at the Roma Vucciria stop, which is a short walk from the palace. A single ticket costs €1.40 and is valid for 90 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Palermo. A taxi from Palermo Centrale to Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri will cost approximately €12-€16 and take about 10 minutes, depending on traffic.

  • Parking

    If driving, be aware that Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri is located within Palermo's Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL). Access is restricted, and fines may apply. Consider parking outside the ZTL and walking or taking public transport. Limited metered parking is available on Piazza Marina (€1 per hour), free from 8 PM to 8 AM. Valet car service is available for €12-€15 per day. Several parking garages are located near the city center, such as Parcheggio Via Pignatelli Aragona - Teatro Massimo (€25 per day).

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Discover more about Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri

Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri, a significant historical landmark in Palermo, stands as a testament to Sicily's rich and complex past. Constructed in the early 14th century by the powerful Sicilian lord Manfredi III Chiaramonte, the palace exemplifies the Chiaramonte Gothic style, a unique blend of Islamic, Norman, and Gothic architectural influences. Originally intended as the family's palace, it later served as the residence for Aragonese-Spanish Viceroys in the early 16th century. A dark chapter in its history unfolded when it became the seat of the Holy Inquisition from 1600 to 1782, during which torture rooms and prisons were added. Visitors can still see the graffiti and inscriptions left by prisoners on the cell walls. The palace has been restored, and today it serves as both a museum and the seat of the Rector of the University of Palermo. Among the artworks housed, Renato Guttuso's famous 'Vucciria' painting is a highlight. The Sala Magna (Grand Hall) features a stunning painted wooden ceiling dating back to the late 1300s, depicting chivalrous and biblical scenes. The small Gothic church of Sant'Antonio Abate is located at the rear of the palace. The building still bears marks of its past, including grooves in the stone from iron cages that once displayed the heads of nobles who rebelled against Emperor Charles V. The palace also features an internal courtyard with a portico and loggia, along with the prisons of the penitentiates and the 'secret room' where inquisitors met.

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