Norman Palace, Royal residence and art museum in Palermo, Italy
The Norman Palace, also called Palazzo dei Normanni, is a royal residence and art museum in Palermo, Italy, built on the highest point of the old city. Four defensive towers mark the corners of the compound, and several inner courtyards are linked by stone staircases that lead to halls with vaulted ceilings and wall decoration.
The compound began as a fortress during Arab rule over Sicily and was later expanded after 1072 by the Norman kings, who made it the center of their government. In the 16th century, the structure was adapted to house Spanish viceroys, and later used by the Kingdom of Italy before becoming home to the regional parliament.
The chapel inside reflects the crafts and beliefs of the different peoples who once worked here, with motifs drawn from eastern traditions, Greek lettering, and Latin phrases woven together. The layered decoration shows how builders and artists from different regions brought their skills to the court, blending symbols and techniques still visible today.
The site is open daily, and stairs lead to different levels, though some areas may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility. A visit takes around two hours, and the route includes royal chambers, the chapel, and the astronomical room in the northern tower.
The building houses both the Sicilian Regional Assembly and an art museum, making it the oldest parliament structure in Europe still performing legislative functions. While elected representatives meet in modern chambers, visitors walk through adjoining historic rooms and explore centuries-old architecture.
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