Sicily: Palermo – Norman Palace

Another UNESCO World Heritage is the Palazzo dei Normanni aka Norman Palace. Originally constructed as a fortress by the Arabs in the 9th century, it was later transformed by the Normans in the 11th century into a royal palace, serving as the seat of the Kings of Sicily. The ground floor has archaeological museums and also a special Picasso exhibition, while the upper floors are known as Royal Apartments – lavishly decorated rooms adorned with mosaics showing hunting scenes and geometric patterns. The highest draw here is the Palatine Chapel (next post). Today, the palace serves as the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly.