Cappella Palatina, Palermo
Photo
Rui Ornelas.
Photo
Samuel Landete.
Photo © Paradoxplace.com.
Photo © Paradoxplace.com.
Photo
youngrobv.
Photo
reziemba.
Photo
reziemba.
Arab painted wooden ceiling. Public domain.
Located within the Palazzo dei Normanni (Palace of the Normans), the Cappella Palatina (Palatine Chapel) is the finest example of Arab-Norman art in Palermo. Built by Roger II from 1130 to 1140, the chapel is adorned with extraordinary Norman-Byzantine mosaics. Together the palace and its chapel are the greatest attractions of Palermo and the only must-see sight for visitors with limited time.
History
The palace was originally built for the Arab emirs and their harems in the 9th century, on a site earlier occupied by Roman and Punic fortresses.
Eventually abandoned by the Arabs, the palace was fully restored by the conquering Normans. The Palatine Chapel was completed by the Norman king Roger II in 1140.
After the Normans left, the palace fell into serious decay until it was discovered by Spanish viceroys. In 1555, they began to restore it and it became a royal residence once again. Today, the Palazzo dei Normanni is the seat of Sicily's semi-autonomous regional government.
What to See
The Palatine Chapel is comprised of a nave and two aisles divided by tall oval arches (whose pillars are made of granite shipped from the East) and covered with a cupola. The astonishing interior is completely covered in glittering 12th-century mosaics.
The mosaics depict a variety of saints and biblical scenes, some interpreted in unique ways - Adam and Eve are shown with the forbidden fruit in their mouths, already reaching for a second piece. Christ Pantocrator is the central focus, appearing in the apse and the cupola.
The colors of the mosaics have an extraordinary depth and vividness (the effect sometimes achieved by gold-backed tesserae and silver mosaic tiles) and the subjects have a realistic style. The overall effect recalls that of the magnificent Monreale Duomo.
The mosaiced interior is capped by a splendid 10th-century Arab honeycomb stalactite wooden ceiling, painted with biblical stories as well as scenes of Arab and Norman court life - including animal hunts, dances and even a picnic in a harem.
Among notable furnishings are a huge royal throne covered in mosaics near the entrance to the nave, and a 12th-century Paschal candelabrum carved with figures, wild animals, and acanthus leaves.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Cappella Palatina (Palatine Chapel) |
| Type of site: | Royal chapel |
| Faith: | Roman Catholic |
| Status: | Museum |
| Date: | 1130-40 |
| Architecture: | Arab-Norman-Byzantine |
| Location: | In the Palazzo dei Normanni, Piazza del Parlamento, Palermo, Sicily |
| Phone: | 091-7054317 |
| Bus: | 104, 105, 108, 109, 110, 118, 304, or 309 |
| Hours: | Mon-Sat 8:30am-noon and 2-5pm; Sun 8am-noon |
| Cost: | €5 |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of the Palazzo dei Normanni, home to the Cappella Palatina. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Palermo Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Travel Resources
- Palermo Map (Sacred Destinations) - a fully interactive aerial view
- Palermo Hostels (HostelBookers) - book your budget lodgings
- Palermo Hotel Reviews (TripAdvisor) - unbiased reviews and ratings from fellow travelers, plus price comparisons!
- Palermo Travel Forum (TripAdvisor) - answers, tips, and advice
- Palermo Car Rentals (AutoEurope) - explore Sicily on your own timetable
