Palazzo dei Normanni

About the museum

The Palazzo dei Normanni, or Palazzo Reale, has been the seat of power in Palermo since the Norman period. Under the Norman kings it became the centre of the kingdom: Roger II, crowned in 1130, wanted different peoples to live together and respect one another, and the Sicilian Parliament dates back to that year. The Cappella Palatina, consecrated in 1140 and dedicated to Saint Peter, unites Latin, Byzantine and Islamic artistic traditions in a unique synthesis.

In the following centuries the complex was enlarged and transformed. The Cortile Maqueda and the Scalone d’Onore were built at the beginning of the 17th century at the wish of the viceroy, the Duke of Maqueda, and the staircase was clad in 1735 with red marble from Castellammare del Golfo in view of the coronation of Charles of Bourbon. In the 18th and 19th centuries the rooms were enriched with decorations, such as the mosaics of the vestibule of the Cappella Palatina.

The palace still houses the Assemblea Regionale Siciliana, whose deputies have met in the Sala d’Ercole since 1947. The visit route, managed by the Fondazione Federico II, includes the Cappella Palatina, the Appartamenti Reali, the Giardini Reali, the medieval tunnel and the archaeological area, as well as objects such as the Carrozza d’oro (Golden Carriage).

Highlights

• Cappella Palatina with mosaics from the Norman period
• Appartamenti Reali
• Sala d’Ercole, seat of the Assemblea Regionale Siciliana
• Giardini Reali
• Medieval tunnel and archaeological area
• Carrozza d’oro (Golden Carriage)

Permanent exhibitions

• Cappella Palatina e Appartamenti Reali – Route through the monumental complex with the Norman Cappella Palatina, the Appartamenti Reali and the historic rooms of the palace.
• Giardini Reali – Gardens of the monumental complex, included in the single ticket.

Operated by

Fondazione Federico II

Admission & discounts

The regular price and the reductions indicated apply from Thursday to Monday and on public holidays, with entry to the Cappella Palatina, the Appartamenti Reali and the Giardini Reali. Free admission also for teachers and students of degree courses in history, art and literature, journalists, ICOM members and employees of the Assessorato regionale dei Beni Culturali. The reductions apply to citizens of the European Union and, subject to reciprocity, to those of non-EU countries.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

The website provides easy-language cards on the rooms of the route and a video in Italian Sign Language (LIS) about the Palazzo Reale. For specific needs, it is advisable to contact the Foundation before the visit.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

By car from the A19 motorway (from Catania) or the A29dir/E933 (from Trapani), follow Viale della Regione Siciliana and Corso Calatafimi to Piazza dell’Indipendenza. From there continue on foot into the pedestrian zone beyond Porta Nuova to Piazza del Parlamento.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit