Palermo: Norman Palace & Palatine Chapel – Small Group or Private
Overview
Available languages
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 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
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.
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
Options
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.
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.
Reviews
75 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic Tour
Martin R,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was fantastic. Our guide, Erico, was very knowledgeable and made this tour great. He not only knew the background and history, he knew the particular places to stand to get the best view of the particular items of interest. The tour did not include some other parts of the palace because there were some official functions that day, but that was disclosed in advance. Even without being able to see that portion of the palace, this tour still gets my highest rating. If you are also going to see Monreale, there will be some distinct similarities, but the contrasts make it even more interesting.
Norman Palace and Palatine chapel
W1617DTanal,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I am absolutely enchanted by the all information that Livi - the guide - provided during the visit. She really went extra mile in her guide, and demonstrated how knowledgeable she is about Palermo. Thank you very much. Ana
Lots of insights - highly recommend
Olga M,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a very interesting tour. In 1,5 hours you find out so much! The guide points out on those details that is so easy to overlook by yourself. Highly recommended. Especially with the guide Lavinia - she is amazing!
Deafening alarm for planned fire tests make visit impossible
lily260,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00A place not to be missed and full of charm. Unfortunately, the whole visit was overwhelmed by a continuous and deafening sound of alarm siren for fire tests. It is incomprehensible how, with respect for visitors, it was not planned, in the face of such a circumstance, to temporarily close access to the public!
Great tour of the Norman Palace and especially the Palatine Chapel
Mobile726286,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was excellent. He’s very knowledgeable and explained the mosaics in the Palatine Chapel really well. I highly recommend this tour.
Must Visit!!!
X6015ETrobertc,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of the most unique places i have ever seen. It is really cool learning about how the different cultures/religions mixed together. The palatine chapel is one of my favorite places i have seen on my trip, the mosaics and the art on the ceiling are truly breathtaking. I loved the tour guide i had, she was very funny and educational.
Disappointment turned around
PainterOne,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a private tour booked and confirmed, but our guide had a medical emergency and Towns of Italy was unable to find a replacement guide for a private tour. However, they quickly hooked us up with a small group tour on the same schedule, which was fine, and issued a partial refund. The Palatine Chapel is magnificent and not to be missed.
Palatine is exceptional!
Le Clos G,Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did not see the palazzo dei normandi but inside this jewel that is the palate chapel. Not to be missed under any circumstances.
Not to be missed way to see one of the major sites in Palermo
Michele21042,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour—we learned so many details (especially about the symbolism in the chapel) that made our visit so much more enjoyable than if we’d gone alone. And our friends kept commenting to each other on what a great guide Renate was!
Could not be happier with the tour
S968RJirinab,Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a 5 hour city tour including this palace tour as a second half. I can't recommend it highly enough. Our guide Andrea was absolutely amazing. Fluent English, super knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We could not be happier with the tour.
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Operated by Towns of Italy