Palazzo dei Normanni and Cappella Palatina - Walking Tour from Palermo

Visit two absolute must-sees in the Sicilian capital with this guided tour of the Palazzo dei Normanni and its Cappella Palatina, including entrance tickets. With more than 800 years of history, it’s perfect for culture vultures!

Of all the incredible attractions in Palermo, the Palazzo dei Normanni is the Royal Palace of Palermo and one that you can’t miss off your itinerary. Once the seat of the King of Sicily, it is the oldest royal residence in Europe and you can learn the history of all the dynasties who had their thrones here - as well as visiting a stunning and sublime channel.

Palermo is decorated in history and there are few buildings that offer a window into the past quite as clear as the Palazzo dei Normanni (or Norman Palace for English speakers). Construction of the palace started in the 9th century when Sicily was under Islamic rule, though it was renovated by the Normans in 1072 when their empire spread across Europe. Nowadays, it’s the home of the Sicilian Parliament.

On the second floor of the Palace, you will then find the most fascinating jem of the tour: though not as well known as Rome’s Sistine Chapel or Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, the Cappella Palatina (or Palatine Chapel) is one of the most spectacular in all of Italy. The chapel was built in 1140 and gives an insight into the arts, science and philosophy of the dominant Western and Middle Eastern cultures at that time. Admire with your guide the traditional Islamic designs, Byzantine mosaics, and golden decorations in one of the best examples of the Arab - Norman - Byzantine style.

Not only do your tickets allow you entrance to the palace and chapel, but you can also access the little gardens too with your expert guide. And as the tour is 1.5 hours long, there’s enough time for you to appreciate the stunning historic building and then spend the rest of the day wandering through Palermo’s historic centre.