Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel – Palermo, Sicily
The historic Norman Palace, also known as the Palazzo dei Normanni, stands at the edge of the historic center of Palermo. Originally constructed during the Arab period and later expanded by the Norman rulers of Sicily, the palace became the royal residence of the Norman kings in the 12th century.
Within the palace lies the extraordinary Palatine Chapel, one of the greatest artistic achievements of medieval Europe. Its interior is covered with dazzling golden mosaics that combine Byzantine artistic traditions with Norman and Islamic architectural influences.
Together the palace and chapel represent the unique cultural blending that characterized Sicily during the Norman period.
