Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs all built a fortification on the spot occupied by the Palazzo dei Normanni, but it was the Saracens that built the structure. The Palazzo was enlarged by the Normans, and restored by the Spaniards, who added the principal facade. It is situated on the highest point of the old city. Used as a place of residence for Spanish Viceroys, they altered its appearance, and today it is the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly. The highlights of the Palazzo are the Palatine Chapel and the Sala dd Re Rugerro, where within them one finds some of the most splended mosaics on the whole island. This is a result of the fusion of Norman, Byzantine and Arab styles. The Palatine Chapel (on the first floor) overlooks the courtyard(see picture on the right)

Floor plan of Palazzo dei Normanni

Return to places of interest

Return to index