Palazzo dei Normanni, Palermo
The Palazzo dei Normanni (Norman Palace) is the oldest royal residence in Europe still in use as a seat of government, today housing Sicily's regional parliament. Its foundations date to the Arab emirate period, with major expansion under the Norman kings who made Palermo their capital in the 11th-12th centuries.
It houses the Palatine Chapel, one of the finest examples of Arab-Norman-Byzantine art anywhere, along with royal apartments including the Sala di Ruggero, decorated with Byzantine-influenced mosaics of hunting scenes.
Because the palace remains an active government building, visiting hours and access to certain rooms can be more restricted than at a purely historical site, so checking current opening days is worth doing before visiting.
Palazzo dei Normanni, Palermo FAQs
Yes, it houses Sicily's regional parliament, making it one of the oldest continuously used seats of government in Europe.
Yes, it's typically included as part of the standard palace visit.
About 1-1.5 hours for the chapel and state apartments.
Yes, parts of the palace can close to visitors during regional parliamentary sessions, usually on weekdays.
A royal chamber decorated with Byzantine-style mosaics depicting hunting and nature scenes, one of the palace's notable interior rooms.
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