Visit two absolute must-sees in the Sicilian capital with this guided tour of the Palazzo dei Normanni and its Cappella Palatina, including entrance tickets. With more than 800 years of history, it’s the perfect tour for cultural aficionados! Of all the incredible attractions in Palermo, the Palazzo dei Normanni-the Royal Palace of Palermo-is one guests can’t miss. Once the seat of the King of Sicily, it is the oldest royal residence in Europe, and guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in its royal legacy. Construction of the palace started in the 9th century when Sicily was under Islamic rule and was renovated by the Normans in 1072 when their empire spread across Europe. Nowadays, it’s the home of the Sicilian Parliament. On the second floor of the Palace, guests will find the most fascinating gem of the tour: the Cappella Palatina (or Palatine Chapel). Though not as well-known as Rome’s Sistine Chapel or Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, this chapel is one of the most spectacular in all of Italy. Built in 1140, the chapel gives an insight into the arts, science, and philosophy of the dominant Western and Middle Eastern cultures at that time. Guests can admire the traditional Islamic designs, Byzantine mosaics, and golden decorations in one of the best examples of the Arab-Norman-Byzantine style architecture. Not only do guests’ tickets allow them entrance to the palace and chapel, but they also have access to the palace and chapel gardens. This 1.5-hour long tour gives guests enough time to appreciate the stunning historic building and then spend the rest of the day exploring Palermo’s historic center.

This tour is provided on a reserved basis prior to departure.

Duration:
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Meeting point:
Palazzo Dei Normanni, Piazza del Parlamento, Palermo. Look for our tour guide in front of Palazzo dei Normanni main entrance.

Ending point:
Same as meeting point

Departure Time:
1:00pm

Not Included:
Transportation to/from hotel, gratuities.

Additional Information:
Palazzo dei Normani is a government venue. In case of official events or meetings the tour might be closed. On some days visit of the Royal Apartments will also be included.
Maximum number of participants: 16