Palatine Chapel

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.

(Tour guide service in Italian. Entrance ticket not included) With more than 2,700 years of history, the Royal Palace of Palermo (also called Palazzo dei Normanni) is one of those places not to be missed during your trip to Sicily. Once the seat of the Kings of Sicily, it is the oldest royal residence in Europe. Already a fortified castle, at the time of the city's foundation it was profoundly renovated and expanded by the Norman kings of Sicily, making it their main residence, seat of the court, the treasury, and important royal factories. Under Frederick II it hosted the Sicilian Poetic School. Subsequently, for a short period, it was also the Court of the Inquisition and then the seat of the Viceroy as well as the Sicilian Parliament. The Palace contains and protects, like a very precious pearl, "the most beautiful church in the world". This is how Guy de Maupassant defined the Palatine Chapel. Built in 1140 by the first king of Sicily, Roger of Hauteville, as a symbol of his power and ambitions, you can admire unique masterpieces such as the Byzantine mosaics on the walls, the Islamic muqarnas ceiling and the marble floor with inlays of the Romanesque tradition. Everything here comes together harmoniously. You will be amazed. IMPORTANT: - To enter the Palace and the Palatine Chapel you need an entrance ticket. It can be purchased at the Royal Palace ticket office or online; - The tour takes place only in Italian;

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.

Get a feel for the rich history, culture, and architecture of central Palermo on a 3-hour guided walking tour. Your guide will take you to Norman Sicily churches and beautiful palaces, through bustling city squares and famous old street markets. Head first to the Teatro Massimo and learn about Italy’s largest opera house, known for its perfect acoustics. Then visit the beautiful Palermo Cathedral, dating from the 12th century and part of Unesco ’s list of World Heritage sites. See the Church of the Gesù, one of the most important Baroque churches in Palermo, as well as the Praetorian Palace, an outstanding palace of the 15th century.   Continue to Pretoria Square, referred to by locals as the “square of shame” for the nudity of its fountain statues. You’ll also visit the nearby Bellini Square where you’ll see the Church of San Cataldo and Martorana Church, two more Norman Sicily–era churches and Unesco World Heritage sites.   Along the way, your guide will lead you through the famous Capo street markets. Observe the lively scenes and multitude of smells, textiles, and colorful foods as you weave among the stalls. You can also buy and taste some of the city’s popular street food, including: panelle, crocché, sfincione and arancina The tour ends in the exact center of historic Palermo, the Baroque Villena Square, also known as Quattro Canti (Four Corners). It was built in the early 1600s at the crossing of the two most prominent streets in Palermo: Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda.

Discover the historical monuments of Palermo on a small group half-day tour, and learn the fascinating history of the city, from its birth under the Phoenicians through the Roman Republic and the Byzantine Empire to the modern day. Wander the winding streets of the Politeama sestiere (district) to see iconic buildings such as the Teatro Politeama and Teatro Massimo, one of the largest opera houses in Europe. Learn about the Arab-Norman era and religious rites at sites such as the 12th-century Cappella Palatina (Palatine Chapel) in the Palazzo Reale. Look in wonder at the splendid façade of Palermo Cathedral, characterized by different architectural styles, from the Gothic through the early Renaissance and Baroque. Learn more about the hidden treasures of the historical center and hear amazing stories that take you on a journey through time.

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!

Step into the heart of Sicilian history with our comprehensive tour, beginning at the ticket office of the majestic Palazzo dei Normanni. As you enter this symbol of Palermo's past, you'll be enveloped in the grandeur and intricacy of Norman architecture and art. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through the stunning halls of the palace, sharing insights into the historical significance and architectural marvels of each space. In the second part of the tour, prepare to be awestruck by the Cappella Palatina, a masterpiece of cultural fusion. Here, you'll witness the breathtaking mosaics that adorn the chapel, a testament to the artistic excellence of the Norman period. The chapel, with its harmonious blend of Byzantine, Islamic, and Norman artistry, offers a unique glimpse into the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Sicily. Our tour is designed to not only showcase these magnificent sites but also to provide a deeper understanding of their historical context. Engaging stories, hidden details, and expert commentary will enrich your experience, making it more than just a visual feast. You'll leave with a profound appreciation of Palermo's historical significance and the cultural richness that defines this iconic Italian city. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Palermo's royal legacy, where history and art come alive in every corner. This tour is a must for anyone seeking to fully experience and understand the splendor of Sicilian heritage.

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.

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.