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The Emir of Palermo constructed his Castle in the ninth century on top of Punic remains at the highest elevation in the heart of the old city. Under the Norman Palace's foundations are fragments of the Punic town and the Arab stronghold. Sicily was taken over by the Normans in 1072, not long after they had defeated the Saxons in England. They erected Palermo as the county capital of Sicily. The castle was then completely rebuilt. It was intended to serve as the Norman monarchs' royal residence.
The palace evolved into a collection of structures linked by arcades. The complex was built as a home and administrative hub surrounded by gardens. King Roger II built the magnificent Palatine Chapel, the Palace's crown gem, in 1132. It was blessed in the year 1140. He desired a personal chapel. The chapel is a three-story basilica. It is a beautiful example of Sicily's Arab-Norman-Byzantine architectural styles from the 12th century, and it is dedicated to Saint Paul. Byzantine mosaics depicting "Christ Pantocrator," the Evangelists, and biblical events are all over the dome, transept, and apse.
Within the Palace are two courtyards with three levels of Renaissance loggias and stairs: the Maqueda Courtyard and the Courtyard of the Fountain. Only the Pisan Tower and the Treasure Tower survive the original four towers. The Palatine Chapel and Norman Palace are both listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. When the Sicilian parliament is not in session, the Royal Apartments are accessible to the public. The Salone d'Ercole, so named for its enormous 19th-century murals representing the twelve laborers of Hercules, is where lawmakers convene every Tuesday through Thursday. The Cappella Palatina, which mixes Latin, Byzantine, and Islamic features, is the spectacular centerpiece, though.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.
Meet your guide at PALAZZO DEI NORMANNI.
Address: Palazzo dei Normanni, Piazza del Parlamento, Palermo,90134, Italy.
Your guide will be waiting front of Palazzo dei Normanni main entrance.
Get Directions to the Meeting Point
By Bus
The closest bus stop is Vittorio Emanuele - Villa Bonanno. It is a quick 2-minutes walk to the meeting point.
Board bus N5 to get you there.
By Train
The closest train station is Palermo Palazzo Reale-Orleans. It is a quick 7-minutes walk to the meeting point.
Board train REG to get you there.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
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