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Norman Palace: A Royal Residence Through the Ages

Explore Palermo's Norman Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover a captivating blend of Arab, Norman, and Byzantine history and art.

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The Norman Palace, also known as Palazzo dei Normanni, stands as Palermo's iconic landmark and Europe's oldest royal residence. Built in the 9th century by the Emir of Palermo, it was expanded by the Normans in the 11th century. Today, it houses the Sicilian Regional Assembly and the Palatine Chapel, showcasing a blend of Arab, Norman, and Byzantine art.

A brief summary to Norman Palace

  • 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

Local tips

  • Visit early on Fridays to avoid crowds and access all three floors, including Roger's Hall.
  • Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the ticket lines.
  • Check the official website for closures due to parliamentary business or special events.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting the Palatine Chapel.
  • Allow at least one hour to fully appreciate the palace and its gardens.
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Getting There

  • Walking

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

  • Public Transport

    From Palermo Centrale train station, take the train to Palermo Palazzo Reale-Orleans station. The journey takes approximately 9 minutes and costs between €1 and €4. From there, it's a short walk to Piazza del Parlamento and the Norman Palace.

  • Taxi

    From Palermo Centrale train station, a taxi to the Norman Palace takes approximately 2 minutes and costs between €6 and €8. Taxis are readily available outside the station.

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Discover more about Norman Palace

The Norman Palace, or Palazzo dei Normanni, is a majestic testament to Sicily's rich and diverse history, located in the heart of Palermo. Originally built in the 9th century as a fortress during Arab rule, it was transformed into a royal palace by the Normans after their conquest in the 11th century. Over the centuries, it served as the seat of power for kings, viceroys, and emperors, each leaving their mark on its architecture and interiors. The palace is renowned for its stunning Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina), a masterpiece of Arab-Norman-Byzantine art. Commissioned by Roger II in 1132, the chapel is adorned with glittering Byzantine mosaics, intricate Arab-inspired muqarnas ceilings, and exquisite marble inlays. The mosaics depict biblical scenes and royal figures, reflecting the cultural synthesis of the Norman kingdom. The chapel's texts are written in Greek, Arabic, and Latin, symbolizing the kingdom's multicultural heritage. Beyond the Palatine Chapel, the Norman Palace boasts opulent royal apartments, including the Sala d'Ercole, Sala Pompeiana, and Sala Cinese, each showcasing different artistic styles and historical periods. The Torre Pisana is the only medieval tower that has survived the centuries of palace reconfigurations. Today, the palace houses the Sicilian Regional Assembly, blending its historical grandeur with modern governance.

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