Palace of the Normans, Palermo

By choosing this small group tour, you will have the opportunity to admire the best attractions, with a tasty local break! This three hours small group tour will take you to the must-see spots of the city centre, crossing the Baroque and Normann-Arab style architecture, including attractions such as the Piazza Pretoria (Praetorian Square), called by the locals Square of Shame. The huge marble fountain you can admire in this square is amazing, and it is also the reason of the square's name, due to the nudity of its statues. The Praetorian Palace is located in this plaza, too, and it hosts the Town Hall, which is usually open to the public so that you may spot the mayor of Palermo. This impressive building was built in the 14th century, and it was renovated in the 19th century. Your cultural and historical experience will be enriched by admiring the Royal Palace, which now hosts the Regional Parliament of Sicily. After the Normans conquered Sicily in 1072, the palace was the main residence of the kings. In 1132, King Roger II added the magnificent Palatine Chapel, which is decorated with unique golden mosaics. When visiting Palermo, we cannot ignore its religious significance, so that they will be part of our small group itinerary, such as the Martorana Church, famous around the world for its beauty and majestic appearance. In fact, an Arabic traveller who visited the Martorana in 1184 called this Christian church "the most beautiful monument in the world", which perfectly resumes all we could have said about this site. One more unmissable stop will be the Cathedral of Palermo, a brilliant and unique example of stratification of styles, from Muslim to Normans to the Christian reconversion. If you are wondering if this culture discovering and walking will make you hungry, don’t worry…we will have another substantial stop included for our small group: a tasty Sicilian cannolo or granita, in a typical local shop.

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.

Walk through a beautiful route of the city, discover hidden gems and visit 10+ of the most important attractions and spots. Learn some introductory information about each place and interesting stories about the city in general. Download the ‘World City Trail ‘app from the store and login. Read the instructions and head to the starting location. Unlock photos of the exterior and the interior of the location. Read some information regarding the attraction and continue walking to the next checkpoint. Note what you liked and did not like and create your bucket list for the next days! Start your walk any time, without a schedule. Pause it for lunch, have a drink, visit an attraction of your choice, and continue later or even another day. With the maps feature, you will never get lost. In the history-filled city of Palermo you will first visit the beautiful Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel. Then the unique Norman Palace and then the irreplaceable Cattedrale di Palermo. This wonderful route continues to the Chiesa del Gesù. As a fifth stop you will find the Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio. As you continue your walk through the city you will find the interesting Piazza Pretoria. Of course, the Quattro Canti could not be missing from this tour. In addition, you will also admire the Church of Saint Domenico. The penultimate destination is the enviable Regional Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas. While the icing on the cake of this unique tour could not be other than the Massimo Theater. Download the ‘’World City Trail ‘’ app from the store. Then start your tour and enjoy!

Get to know Palermo at your own pace on this interactive puzzle game and walking tour played on your phone. Decipher riddles, interact with the most important attractions of the city, and unlock interesting facts and legends. An ideal outdoor activity for first time visitors, couples, groups, families, and children. Can be used as a great team-building activity. After downloading the app on your mobile device, use the mobile app and integrated maps to reach 10 of Palermo’s most important attractions on foot. At each stop, learn about the attraction and solve a location-based puzzle that can only be solved if you reach the specific location. Use logic, imagination, observation, and team spirit to unlock the correct code and reveal the next destination of the city sightseeing game. At each stop, learn about the attraction and solve a location-based puzzle. Use logic, imagination, observation. Start the activity whenever you like and enjoy the flexibility to pause at any time to take a break, snap the perfect photos, stop for lunch, or visit a museum. Choose to continue the tour later or save the rest for another day. In the history-filled city of Palermo you will first visit the beautiful Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel. Then the unique Norman Palace and then the irreplaceable Cattedrale di Palermo. This wonderful route continues to the Chiesa del Gesù. As a fifth stop you will find the Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio. As you continue your walk through the city you will find the interesting Piazza Pretoria. Of course, the Quattro Canti could not be missing from this tour. In addition, you will also admire the Church of Saint Domenico. The penultimate destination is the enviable Regional Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas. While the icing on the cake of this unique tour could not be other than the Massimo Theater. Download the ‘’World City Trail ‘’ app from the store. Then start your tour and enjoy!

This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Palermo with hidden gems that only a local can show you. Get to know Palermo on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, from culture, history, and local lifestyle - this tour has it all! Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Palermo at its best thanks to your local guide’s knowledge and stories. Check out main landmarks like Palazzo Reale, Teatro Massimo, Piazza Pretoria and Fontana Pretoria and uncover city secrets that will show you the city through a different perspective. As they say, the locals know best! Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of Palermo with a private tour led by a seasoned guide, promising a captivating exploration of the city's rich history and architectural wonders. Your journey begins at the meeting point in Via Rosolino Pilo, where you'll rendezvous with your guide in front of the hotel Mediterraneo. From there, set forth on a three-hour odyssey through Palermo's enchanting streets, delving into the mesmerizing blend of Baroque and Normann-Arabic influences that define its landscape. Begin your adventure at the majestic Piazza Pretoria, where the grandeur of the fountain takes center stage amidst the bustling square. Traverse through time as you visit the historic Praetorian Palace, a symbol of Palermo's political legacy, and behold the splendor of the Royal Palace, now home to the Regional Parliament. Marvel at the intricate mosaics and Byzantine charm of Martorana Church, before venturing to the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Palermo, a testament to the city's enduring faith and architectural prowess. Along the way, savor the flavors of Sicily with a stop at a local shop to indulge in a traditional Sicilian cannolo, adding a deliciously authentic touch to your exploration.

Discover PALERMO with the audio guide available on the SmartGuide app. GPS-based audio plays automatically, even offline. - Install SmartGuide on Android or iOS - Use the TOUR LINK from your reservation email, and unlock all English tours in ITALY for 1 month. What will you experience? ─── Welcome to Palermo, Italy's vibrant and historic city, where rich cultural heritage and Mediterranean charm merge seamlessly. Embark on a self-guided audio tour in English, navigating at your own pace with GPS and map guidance. Stop whenever you want or repeat the audio as you explore the magnificent Palermo Cathedral, the bustling Ballarò Market, and the awe-inspiring Norman Palace. Discover the city's rich history, stunning architecture, and delectable cuisine on this unforgettable journey. Tour Itinerary ─── - Start at Palermo Cathedral, a Norman architectural masterpiece. - Visit Ballarò Market for vibrant Sicilian street food. - Explore Palazzo dei Normanni and the stunning Palatine Chapel. - Discover the eerie Catacombs of the Capuchins. - Visit the grand Royal Palace of Palermo. - Marvel at Pretoria Fountain in Piazza Pretoria. - See Chiesa San Giuseppe dei Teatini's Baroque architecture. - Visit Teatro Massimo, a famous opera house. Admission and Opening Hours ─── - Some attractions may require optional entry fees not included in the tour. - Verify the opening hours of included sights before starting. Suggested tour time is between 10 am and 4 pm.

Explore the rich cultural tapestry of Palermo with this combined tour, blending the highlights of the city's architecture and history. Begin by delving into the heart of Palermo's historic center on a three-hour small group tour, marveling at Baroque and Normann-Arab style architecture. Admire iconic landmarks such as the Praetorian Square, home to the striking marble fountain and the historic Praetorian Palace. Continue your journey through Palermo's religious heritage with visits to the exterior of the Martorana Church and the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Palermo, showcasing centuries of architectural evolution. After immersing yourself in Palermo's cultural treasures, delve deeper into history with a guided tour of the Palazzo dei Normanni and its magnificent Cappella Palatina. Learn about over 800 years of Sicilian history as you explore the oldest royal residence in Europe, once the seat of Sicilian kings. Marvel at the exquisite blend of Islamic, Byzantine, and Norman influences in the Palatine Chapel, a testament to the diverse cultural exchanges of the medieval era. Your tour includes access to the palace's gardens, providing a tranquil retreat amidst the city's vibrant streets. With a total duration of 4.5 hours, this comprehensive experience offers the perfect blend of cultural immersion and historical exploration in the enchanting city of Palermo.

You will be able to take a walking tour at your own pace, choose monuments and routes in complete autonomy, thanks to the rental of the audio guide and the support of the city map. How it works: You can rent the audio guide at the Palermo infopoint in the historic center, in via Vittorio Emanuele 351. Together with the audio guide, a map of the city with 10 routes, designed for you, is provided. Along each route on the map you will find a monument or point of interest indicated to which a button in the audio guide will refer. In total the audio guide offers 50 buttons that correspond to monuments or points of interest. among the 10 routes the UNESCO route is included with the main monuments of the Arbor-Norman route. 50 Monuments or places of interest: Intro Palermo , Historic center, Quattro Canti square, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Bologni Square, Unesco Cathedral, Beati Paoli square, Capo Market, Street food, Immaculate Conception Church, Porta Carini, Theater MassimoVia Maqueda, San Giuseppe dei Teatini Church,Pretoria FountainGesu Church, Ballarò Market,San Giovanni degli Eremiti Church and Unesco Cloister, Norman Palace and Unesco Palatine Chapel, Porta Nuova, Palazzo Pretorio, Statue of the Genius of Palermo, Bellini Theater, Church of the Martorana, Church of San Cataldo Unesco, GAM Museum, Statue of the Genius of Palermo in Piazza Revolution, Church of the Magione, Church of the Spasimo, Kalsa district, Church of Santa Maria della Pietà, Palazzo Abatellis, Marina square, Steri place, Church of the Catena, Mura delle Cattivi, Porta Felice, Church of Santa Maria della Pietà, Buca dell a Salvezza, Antica Focacceria San Francesco, Church of San Francesco, Vucciria Market, Church of San Domenico, Via Bandiera, Porto della Cala, Fontna del Garaffello, Statue of the Genius of Palermo in Vucciria, Archaeological Museum, Piazza Politeama Politeama Theater.

Get to know Palermo (City centre) at your own pace on this interactive guided app walking tour. You'll explore the city on foot and get points for solving different types of tasks: Find sights: You will use hints to find the best sights and hidden gems throughout the city. The map function in the app will guide you there. Solve questions: Once you’ve arrived at the place you’re looking for, you’ll be asked questions about the sight. Most of the time, the answers are hidden in signs, pictures, etc. A great and fun way to learn new things about the city. Have fun: During the adventure you can also expect exciting photo tasks that require a lot of creativity. If you master the snapshots, you will be rewarded with points. Along the way, you’ll reach amazing places like the “Porta Nuova", "Fontana Pretoria", "Palazzo dei Normanni" and many more! After booking, you’ll get a code via email with instructions on how to start. Head to the “War Memorial" and use the code to unlock the guided tour in the app. The tour ends at the “Mercato di Ballarò”. The experience is not limited in time. You can explore the city at your own pace and take breaks. The tour lasts on average about 1-2 hours.