DK Travel : Sicily : Norman Palermo

Norman Palermo

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When the Normans entered Palermo in 1071, Count Roger favoured living in the Arab fortified palace on the highest point of the city, rather than the former seat of government in La Kalsa. The building was re-fortified and renamed the Palazzo dei Normanni (Norman Palace). Along with the construction of the church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti and the cathedral, Palermo soon came to represent the Norman architectural and decorative ideal. After centuries of renovations, the cathedral has become uniquely Sicilian in its mix of styles. The Palazzo dei Normanni has also been renovated by successive invaders, but the well-preserved private chapel, where western and Islamic elements are combined, is a jewel.

Top 10 Sights

1. Cappella Palatina Interior

Roger II ordered construction of the Palatine Chapel in 1129, and in 1140 it was dedicated to St Peter. The chapel harmoniously combines western and Arab styles. The Arab ceiling is painted with animals and greenery and, surprisingly for Islamic craftsmen, figures.
2. Cappella Palatina Cupola and Apse Mosaics

A Christ Pantocrator, crafted by Greek masters using gold and silver tesserae , offers his blessing from the cupola and the apse .
3. Cappella Palatina Nave Mosaics

The nave mosaics of Old Testament scenes include Latin inscriptions, indicating that they are the work of Italian artists.
4. Sala di Re Ruggero

4. Sala di Re Ruggero

Decorated in 1140, this room in the Palazzo dei Normanni is a fine example of secular mosaic decoration .
5. Cathedral Exterior

5. Cathedral Exterior

The cathedral was founded by the Archbishop of Palermo in 1185, on the site of a former mosque. Remains of the Norman structure include the exterior of the triple apse and the clock tower.
6. Cathedral Interior, Norman Tombs

Drastically altered in the 1700s, all that remains of the Norman interior are its tombs.
7. Cathedral Treasury and Crypt

7. Cathedral Treasury and Crypt

The treasury highlight is the crown of Constance of Aragón, encrusted with gemstones and pearls crafted in the 12th century. The crypt houses Greek and Roman sarcophagi.
8. San Giovanni degli Eremiti Exterior

8. San Giovanni degli Eremiti Exterior

Amid its lush gardens , the five red domes, characteristic of Arab craftsmen, define the church’s exterior.
9. San Giovanni degli Eremiti Cloister

9. San Giovanni degli Eremiti Cloister

Behind the church is a small cloister , built 50 years later and more western in concept. Crumbling pointed arches are supported by a row of twin columns. The quiet space, with a lovely garden setting, provides views to the Palazzo dei Normanni.
10. San Giovanni degli Eremiti Interior

Founded in 1132, San Giovanni was the wealthiest monastery in Sicily, but today the interior of the church has only a few remains of its original decoration.

Practical Information

A two-day cumulative ticket (€4.50, reduced to €2.00 for students) gains you entrance to the Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, La Zisa and La Cuba (see Castello della Zisa), and Monreale Cathedral (see Monreale). Cathedral: Corso Vittorio Emanuele Open 8am–6:30pm Mon–Sat, 8am–1:30pm & 4–6:30pm Sun & hols interior: Free Crypt and Treasury: €2.00 Palazzo dei Normanni: Corso Calatafimi Sala di Re Ruggero Open 9am–12pm Mon, Fri–Sat Cappella Palatina Open 9am–12pm & 3–5pm Mon–Fri, 9–10am & 12–1pm Sat–Sun Free San Giovanni degli Eremiti Open 9am–7pm Mon–Sat, 9am–1pm Sun & hols Adm €4.50