Norman Sicily's compelling cultural complexity is beautifully evoked at Palermo's star attraction: Cappella Palatina, squirrelled away like a rare jewel inside Palazzo dei Normanni (also called Palazzo Reale). Built by conquering Arabs in the 9th century, the defensive fortress became pleasure palace two centuries on under Norman king Roger II. The landmark monument is now seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly and world-class art-lover honeypot.
See How Royalty Lived
Wind up the stone staircase in the 17th-century Maqueda courtyard to the 2nd floor. Apartment visits include the Sala dei Vicere (Hall of Viceroys) lit up in Murano glass; Sala dei Mosaici (Hall of Mosaics) decorated with secular mosaics; and soaring square tower of Sala dei Venti (Hall of Winds).
Devour Biblical Stories Crafted in Gold Mosaics
On the 1st floor, the Cappella Palentina decorated by the finest Byzantine Greek craftsmen in 1130, takes your breath away. Revel in the life of Christ, the Saints, Prophets and Evangelists in the presbytery; Cristo Pantocratore (Christ All Powerful) and angels in the apse and dome; and the Old Testament in the central nave.
Look up to admire painted, wooden nave ceilings – a rare example of 12th-century Fatimid art in the Mediterranean basin.
Cool Down over Granita in the Royal Gardens
Find respite from the heat and chapel crowds in the palace gardens. Promenading to classical music (speakers are planted in flower beds) between California fan palms, South African blood flowers and bird-of-paradise plants blazing orange in spring is sublime. End in the garden's Giardini Café.
