Tribunali o Kalsa, Historic district in central Palermo, Italy.
Tribunali o Kalsa is a historic neighborhood in central Palermo with narrow streets connecting churches, palaces, and public squares throughout its medieval layout. The district extends from Via Maqueda to the Foro Italico, forming a compact urban area with interconnected passages.
Arab settlers built the Al-Khalesa fortified citadel in the 9th century as an administrative center before Norman conquerors took control in 1072. This early urban structure shaped the street layout and building arrangement that remains visible today.
Art galleries and regional museums throughout the neighborhood display works reflecting Arab, Norman, and Baroque periods that visitors encounter while walking. The different architectural styles appear side by side in churches and palaces across the streets.
The neighborhood is best explored on foot, with many walking tours starting from Palazzo Abatellis to see religious buildings, fountains, and historic sites. The district is compact enough to visit several major attractions in a few hours.
Medieval prison cells inside Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri hold preserved graffiti created by inmates during the Spanish Inquisition period. These wall markings show the thoughts and names of people held captive in those chambers.
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