Museo dell'Islam

The Museum of Islamic Art occupies three floors within the Zisa Palace and displays ceramics, textiles, manuscripts, and decorative pieces from different Islamic periods. The rooms preserve objects that show the artistic and craft traditions of these eras.

The Zisa Palace was built between 1165 and 1180 as a summer residence for Norman King William II. The museum was created later to preserve and share the Islamic artworks and objects with the public.

The collection shows how Sicily and North Africa were deeply connected through trade and daily life over many centuries. You can see this connection in the craftsmanship and materials that traveled between the two regions.

The museum is open most days of the week, though hours on weekends may be shorter. Visitors should allow enough time to explore all three floors and view the collections at a comfortable pace.

At the center of the palace is a fountain room with ornate plaster vaults decorated with Arabic inscriptions honoring King William II. This space shows the skilled blending of Norman and Islamic architectural styles that defines Sicily's past.

Location: Palermo

Inception: 1991

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Address: Piazza Zisa

Website: http://regione.sicilia.it/beniculturali/dirbenicult/database/page_musei/pagina_musei.asp?ID=11&IdSito=56

GPS coordinates: 38.11662,13.34109

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:40