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 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. The Palazzo dei Normanni (or the Norman Palace to English speakers). Construction on 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. Now, it’s the home of the Sicilian Regional assembly. You’ll get exclusive entrance into the palace and its gardens 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, on the second-floor of the palace, 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. See 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 explore the 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.

Discover Palermo on a guided walking tour of this charming city, including a cannolo tasting. See iconic sights including the U Capu historical market, the Norman Cathedral, and the ancient fortifications of the city. Marvel at the varied architectural styles around you: baroque, Spanish facades and courtyards, and more. Meet us at h 9AM at Piazza Verdi at the foot of Teatro Massimo staircase to admire the imposing structure of the largest opera house in Italy. A few steps you will enter the heart of the historical market "U Capu" where history, tradition and street food mix with the voices and faces of the people of Palermo. There is a newly restored baroque jewel, the church of the Immaculate Conception. Through alleys and ancient buildings you are at the Norman cathedral where the remains of Frederick II of Swabia and the silver "Vara" of Santa Rosalia are located. Between the gardens of Villa Bonanno and the ancient Roman ruins of the Paleopoli you will be at the Royal or Norman Palace which houses 3000 years of our history and the splendid mosaics of the Palatine chapel where Arabs, Byzantines and Normans shared knowledge, esoteric secrets, life and customs in great tolerance. Skirting the ancient fortifications you will photograph San Giovanni degli Eremiti, an evocative Arab-Norman architecture with its particular domes. Discovering medieval quarters, Spanish facades and courtyards of historic houses, you will walk through the "Cassaro" to end your tour at the Quattro Canti or Teatro del Sole, an elegant baroque structure.