Overview:

- Palazzo dei Normanni (English: Palace of the Normans) is the seat of the Regional Parliament of Sicily in Palermo, Italy. It was formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Sicily during the Norman domination. This impressive palace stands on a plateau, and commands a fine view of Palermo and the surrounding hills, offering a remarkable insight into the past. Its richly decorated façade and sweeping steps make it an unmistakable landmark of the city. Part of it houses the archaeological museum and the regional library, and its arcades and large courtyards are home to numerous cultural events. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Italy
Prominent Features:

1. Grand Hall: The Palazzo dei Normanni is home to the grand hall, known as the Sala di Ruggero, which is a huge chamber that is 45 meters long and 29 meters wide. It is ornately decorated with painted and gilded decorations including 24 Roman lictors and 4 statues of Atlas. 2. Greek Cross Plan: This palazzo is composed in the traditional Greek Cross plan based on a nave and 4 arms. The right transept in the form of a chapel was added by King William II in 1186 and has an impressive dome and a large bronze door. 3. Arab Influences: Various arab influences can be seen around the Palazzo, from the decorative features on the walls to the design of the grand staircase. 4. Palatine Chapel: Located inside the Palazzo, the Palatine Chapel was constructed under King Roger II and finished in 1140. This chapel contains a Byzantine-style mosaic in the dome, which is one of the largest and most beautiful pieces of art in the world. 5. Norman Gallery: Adjacent to the Palatine Chapel is the Norman Gallery, which is full of mosaics and paintings from the 12th century. This gallery also features the crown of Roger II, an impressive round crown that is adorned with embossed jewel and gems. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Italy.

History:

The Palazzo dei Normanni, also known as the Palazzo Reale (royal palace) is the royal palace of the Kingdom of Sicily, located in Palermo, Sicily. The original palace was constructed in the 9th century by the Arab-Norman Abbasid dynasty. During the reign of King Roger II (1130 - 1154), the palace underwent a massive renovation, making it one of the most impressive structures of its era. In 1282, the Aragonese monarchs took control of the palace and it became the official seat of Norman and Sicilian rule. Over the centuries, the palace was expanded and added to, with new structures such as a Norman chapel, a hall of justice and a royal chapel. In the 19th century, the palace was damaged by a major earthquake and was largely restored. Today, it remains an important and popular tourist attraction in Palermo. The palace houses the chambers of the Sicilian Parliament, the State Archives, and the autonomous Regional Assembly of Sicily. The palace also serves as the official residence of the President of Sicily. The palace is noted for its lavish and ornate décor, featuring a mix of Arab-Norman, Byzantine, Gothic and Baroque styles. It is a testament to the history of Sicily, as well as its culture and traditions. Visit one of the famous monuments of Italy with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Palazzo dei Normanni (Palace of the Normans) is a palace in Palermo, Sicily, Italy. It was established around the end of the 9th century by the Norman rulers of Sicily. 2. This building is one of the most important and oldest royal residences in the world, and the largest surviving example of Arab-Islamic palace architecture in Sicily. 3. The Palazzo was built in stages between the 9th and 13th centuries, and includes both Byzantine and Islamic architectural features in its design. 4. The ground floor of the palace is characterized by a large area of beautifully decorated stuccoed floors, mosaics, and ninth-century frescoes and paintings. 5. The palace played an important role in Sicily’s history as the seat of the Normans, who ruled Sicily from the 11th to the 13th centuries. At the time, it held many of the critical meetings and decisions that changed the face of Sicily. 6. In the 17th century, the palace became the official residence of the Spanish Viceroys of Sicily. 7. Today, it is a museum containing relics from its distinct and storied past. It is also the official seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly. 8. Palazzo dei Normanni is listed together with the Palatine Chapel and the other palaces of the city as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its “outstanding testimony to the civilization of medieval Europe and for its representation of Normans in Sicily.” One of the historical monuments of Italy, it tells the story of a bygone era