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Guided Tours

Guided Tour of Norman Palace & Palantine Chapel

Guided Tour of Norman Palace & Palantine Chapel
Guided Tour of Norman Palace & Palantine Chapel
Guided Tour of Norman Palace & Palantine Chapel
Guided Tour of Norman Palace & Palantine Chapel

Explore Palazzo Dei Normanni and Cappella Palatina with a professional licensed guide and unveil 800 years of history.

Highlights

  • Appease your desire to investigate history closely at the two most important attractions of Palermo with a professional guide.

  • Explore Palazzo Dei Normanni and learn about its past in great detail to truly understand its recognition by UNESCO.

  • Venture into the gardens and Cappella Palatina for a complete experience and find marvel at its beauty and luxury closely.

  • Fun Fact: Referred to as the “golden coach”, a magnificent late-18th-century Baroque carriage that belonged to the Prince of Butera is present in the Palace and was featured in Jean Renoir’s film.

Inclusions

  • Admission to Palazzo Dei Normanni Complex (Palace, Gardens & Capella Palatina)

  • Licensed English-speaking guide

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Palazzo Dei Normanni Complex

The Emir of Palermo constructed his Castle in the ninth century on top of Punic remains at the highest elevation in the heart of the old city. Under the Norman Palace's foundations are fragments of the Punic town and the Arab stronghold. Sicily was taken over by the Normans in 1072, not long after they had defeated the Saxons in England. They erected Palermo as the county capital of Sicily. The castle was then completely rebuilt. It was intended to serve as the Norman monarchs' royal residence.

The palace evolved into a collection of structures linked by arcades. The complex was built as a home and administrative hub surrounded by gardens. King Roger II built the magnificent Palatine Chapel, the Palace's crown gem, in 1132. It was blessed in the year 1140. He desired a personal chapel. The chapel is a three-story basilica. It is a beautiful example of Sicily's Arab-Norman-Byzantine architectural styles from the 12th century, and it is dedicated to Saint Paul. Byzantine mosaics depicting "Christ Pantocrator," the Evangelists, and biblical events are all over the dome, transept, and apse.

Features of the Complex

Within the Palace are two courtyards with three levels of Renaissance loggias and stairs: the Maqueda Courtyard and the Courtyard of the Fountain. Only the Pisan Tower and the Treasure Tower survive the original four towers. The Palatine Chapel and Norman Palace are both listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. When the Sicilian parliament is not in session, the Royal Apartments are accessible to the public. The Salone d'Ercole, so named for its enormous 19th-century murals representing the twelve laborers of Hercules, is where lawmakers convene every Tuesday through Thursday. The Cappella Palatina, which mixes Latin, Byzantine, and Islamic features, is the spectacular centerpiece, though.

Important Information

  • The tour is wheelchair, pram, and stroller friendly.

  • A buggy can be made available with a prior request.

Timings

  • Daily: 1pm onwards

  • Duration: 1 hr 30 mins

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

  • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Meeting Point

  • Meet your guide at PALAZZO DEI NORMANNI.

  • Address: Palazzo dei Normanni, Piazza del Parlamento, Palermo,90134, Italy.

  • Your guide will be waiting front of Palazzo dei Normanni main entrance.

Get Directions to the Meeting Point

Getting There

By Bus

  • The closest bus stop is Vittorio Emanuele - Villa Bonanno. It is a quick 2-minutes walk to the meeting point.

  • Board bus N5 to get you there.

By Train

  • The closest train station is Palermo Palazzo Reale-Orleans. It is a quick 7-minutes walk to the meeting point.

  • Board train REG to get you there.

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