Zisa Palace, Castle and palace in Palermo, Italy
Palazzo della Zisa is a palace in Palermo with a rectangular layout featuring strong Islamic architectural elements including elaborate stucco decorations and precious marble work. The interior rooms display remarkable craftsmanship with finely designed halls and a central water garden.
Construction of the palace began in 1165 under William I of Sicily and was completed during the reign of his successor William II. The building arose during an era when Normans and Arabs jointly governed the island.
The palace reflects the blend of Norman and Arab influences that shaped medieval Sicily. The rooms with their geometric patterns and water features tell the story of this cultural fusion.
The palace is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 18:30, with Sunday visits limited to morning hours. Plan for at least two to three hours to explore all the rooms and gardens thoroughly.
The palace features an advanced medieval cooling system with thick walls and integrated water channels that maintain comfortable temperatures. This engineering demonstrates the sophisticated technical knowledge of Arab architects of that era.
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