Palermo: Norman Palace & Palatine Chapel – Small Group or Private

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Visit two absolute must-sees in the Sicilian capital with this guided tour of the Palazzo dei Normanni and Cappella Palatina, including entrance tickets. 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.

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.

Not only do your tickets allow you entrance to the palace and chapel, but you can explore the gardens too with your expert guide!

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please note: Palazzo dei Normani is a government venue. In case of official events or meeting the tour could be subject to cancellation

The tour runs rain or shine

We are sorry to inform you that pets are not permitted on our tours

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

See the remains of a melting pot of eastern and western history in the Cappella Palatina

Tickets and guided visit of Palace, Gardens and Cappella Palatina

Be ready to visit one of the most ancient palaces in Europe

Marvel at the Byzantine mosaics on the walls

Licensed English or Spanish Speaking Guide

Private Tour Guide (if Private option purchased)

Gratuities

Hotel pick up and drop off

What To Expect

Norman Palace

The Norman Palace. 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

1 hour•Admission Included

The Palatine Chapel (Italian: Cappella Palatina) is the royal chapel of the Norman Palace in Palermo, Sicily. This building is a mixture of Byzantine, Norman and Fatimid architectural styles, showing the tricultural state of Sicily during the 12th century after Roger I and Robert Guiscard conquered the island.

30 minutes•Admission Included

Options

Private Royal Palace Tour

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Full Attention, Richer Insight: Enjoy your own expert guide for an intimate, in-depth visit. Exclusive access, no solitude but total focus on you.

Small Group Royal Palermo Tour

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Palace, Chapel & Garden Walk: Discover Palermo’s royal past with a licensed guide in a small group. Entrance tickets and gardens included.

Reviews

4.67

51 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great tour , lots of information and history !
russdaniels20,
Apr 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00
This was a very informative tour and our guide was fantastic . Claudio our guide was so knowledgeable and answered all of our questions.
Knowledgeable guide.
Gerald D,
Apr 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00
It was a good tour with Debbie, who knew her stuff. She explained the details about the Palace and Chapel that we would not gave known otherwise. It enhanced our visit.
Thorough, knowledgeable...
Karen L,
Apr 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Thorough, knowledgeable guide! This tour is well worth the money to skip the lines and learn details about the palace and chapel. It is just the right of time; highly recommend.
Wonderful tour with Eleana
Richard C,
Apr 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Great tour with Eleana Grecco! She was very knowledgeable, spoke perfect English and was entertaining. She made the Palace come alive. Highly recommend.
Highly recommended!
Huma Q,
Jan 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Fabio surpassed all our expectations and gave us such an educated, informative, and detail-oriented look at the palace. His information stood out as exceptional because we could tell he was passionate about art and history. And when you combine passion, intellect, and a good conversation...well, you're destined for awesomeness! Fabio was a highlight of Palermo for us, and we thankful to him for showing us a side of Christian Art History that we would have missed.