Norman Palace
Norman Palace
4.5
8:15 AM - 5:45 PM
Monday
8:15 AM - 5:45 PM
Tuesday
8:15 AM - 5:45 PM
Wednesday
8:15 AM - 5:45 PM
Thursday
8:15 AM - 5:45 PM
Friday
8:15 AM - 5:45 PM
Saturday
8:15 AM - 5:45 PM
Sunday
8:15 AM - 1:00 PM
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Neighbourhood: Palazzo Reale
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- Charles_and_SusanNottingham, United Kingdom7,315 contributionsElaborate Royal Chapel and palaceIt is a highlight of Palermo and inside the palace it's the Royal Chapel that is the most interesting. No expense has been spared in the gold adornment and the elaborate paintings. Some other area of the palace are available to visit but the parliament was in residence when we visited and so visiting was restricted.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 October 2023
- CynicorenBeersheba, Israel2,920 contributionsThe best attraction in PalermoIf you are into art and history, the Norman Palace is Palermo's best offering. The mosaic ceiling is absolutely amazing, the gardens are very nice to stroll around. Certainly Palermos best attraction for fans of art/history/religion. On top of the mosaics, there are modern art displays in the palace.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 19 November 2023
- Thomas L2 contributionsDazzling world class experience.The Palace chapel is simply dazzling, a world class experience not to be missed! We were particularly fortunate as we went early and had the chapel virtually to ourselves. The royal apartments are well worth seeing in their own right; even the gardens were interesting with a vast array of plant species from around the world. All the staff were friendly and engaging.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 December 2023
- Sally62Northampton, United Kingdom6,072 contributionsMust-see destinationThis was the royal palace of the Norman king Roger II and built on the site of an earlier Arab palace. Much of the exterior that you can see dates back to additions made in the 16th century. Entrance and tickets are now in Piazza del Parlamento and opening times are 8.30-4.30 except Sundays where last admission is 12.30. We visited around midday on Sunday and although busy, there weren't any big tour groups. The Palatine Chapel is on the first floor off of the Maqueda courtyard which is beautifully decorated. We queued for about 20 minutes to get in to the chapel and the queue is in full sun at this time so have something to cover up at it gets very hot. The palace is also home to the Sicilian parliament which we were able to enter on a previous visit but not this time. King Roger's Hall is beautiful and the walls and arches are covered in mosaics of animals such as lions, leopards and peacocks. There is a small garden but not much of interest at that time of year. A must-see when you visit Palermo.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 June 2024
- Falkirkbairn70Edinburgh, United Kingdom131 contributionsEnjoyable visit early afternoon no queuesWe nearly did not visit due to some poor reviews however we visited around 2pm on a Saturday and there were no queues for any part of the palace. All areas were also open, I wonder if the Parliament sitting makes a difference to what’s available or not. The chapel was a real highlight, absolutely stunning.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Travelating
Camden, ME97 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
The chapel, covered in beautiful mosaics, is the main attraction. That is worth the two stars. Almost everything else is not worth walking through. On the main floor are some exhibits about the history of the Normans in Sicily and Southern Italy which is mildly interesting. Unfortunately, like most government museums, they have a lot of things to show but they don’t communicate well. In addition, the English signage was written by a non-English speaker so it’s even more difficult to comprehend.
There is an audio guide for 5 Euros that is confusing to use, although I didn’t get much out of it because the battery died as I walked into the chapel. There is a standard ticket and an upgraded ticket, costing 3 Euros more and which gains entry into some special rooms.
There is an audio guide for 5 Euros that is confusing to use, although I didn’t get much out of it because the battery died as I walked into the chapel. There is a standard ticket and an upgraded ticket, costing 3 Euros more and which gains entry into some special rooms.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheTrvlGuy
New York City, NY1,124 contributions
Mar 2019
Stunning doesn't even begin to describe how beautiful this massive Palace is! I took so so many photos, there are tours and I recommend you take one. Best to go early so the cue isn't too long, I walked right in, but the velvet ropes lead you to believe this is one busy place.
The details of its architecture is awe inspiring, one could spend allot of time gazing up and taking photos. Getting here is easy and the views are gorgeous. I think its a must see when you're in Palermo, Sicily.
Enjoy every adventure ahead of you, and all the diversity our planet offers
The details of its architecture is awe inspiring, one could spend allot of time gazing up and taking photos. Getting here is easy and the views are gorgeous. I think its a must see when you're in Palermo, Sicily.
Enjoy every adventure ahead of you, and all the diversity our planet offers
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monkey-and-Sprite
Oxford, UK176 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
You’re buying a single ticket to the Norman Palace, Palazzo Reale and Capella Palantina, which are surrounded by buildings used by ARS - the regional assembly of Sicily. This isn’t cheap (60 Euros for a family or 4) but it’s worth it, primarily to see the mosaics in the King Roger Hall and, above all, the chapel itself. Even after seeing the world-class mosaics in Monreale and Cefalu, the Palantine Chapel is truly astounding. Well worth the entrance fee alone.
Written 29 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chong_sandra
Singapore, Singapore19 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
First thing is to take note that currently, visitation on Friday to Monday as well as holidays will give you access to 4 more areas costing only €3.50 more. This is by far the most expensive entrance fee I’ve ever paid , €19.
I went on a Monday at about 9.30am and there were numerous & numerous tour & student groups . Thus a long wait to queue in line from entry to the Palatine Chapel to the Royal Apartments. So avoid going in the morning. Lesson learned.
The Palatine Chapel, I’m not impressed. After visiting The Cattedrale di Monreale, I can’t help making a comparison.
As for the Royal Apartments, I see that many areas are used as working space and thus you will see modern office equipment & furniture are also present. Good use of space, which I guess also accounts for the inaccessibility on other days. I personally enjoyed viewing more at Museo Palazzo Mirto (only €6), more worn off but authentic.
The Royal Gardens are small but very well manicured & labeled. So many plant & tree species from all parts of the world are planted here. Very shady with many benches. Wished I had brought along some food & beverage taking a respite from the crowds here.
All in all, I know I could have given this visit a miss.
I went on a Monday at about 9.30am and there were numerous & numerous tour & student groups . Thus a long wait to queue in line from entry to the Palatine Chapel to the Royal Apartments. So avoid going in the morning. Lesson learned.
The Palatine Chapel, I’m not impressed. After visiting The Cattedrale di Monreale, I can’t help making a comparison.
As for the Royal Apartments, I see that many areas are used as working space and thus you will see modern office equipment & furniture are also present. Good use of space, which I guess also accounts for the inaccessibility on other days. I personally enjoyed viewing more at Museo Palazzo Mirto (only €6), more worn off but authentic.
The Royal Gardens are small but very well manicured & labeled. So many plant & tree species from all parts of the world are planted here. Very shady with many benches. Wished I had brought along some food & beverage taking a respite from the crowds here.
All in all, I know I could have given this visit a miss.
Written 16 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryszard L
Sydney, Australia328 contributions
May 2019
The Palazzo dei Normanni, situated in Piazza Indipendenza, just near the Porta Nuova, is an architectural symbol of Sicily itself. The building you see before you goes back to the Arab conquest but the foundations go back to the Phoenicians of the 8th to 5th centuries BC and subsequent occupiers of Sicily have left their mark. When the Byzantines conquered the city in 535 AD and for nearly three centuries ruled over the island and built up the palace and fortifications. The Arab invasion of the 9th century saw the beginnings of the building we see now. The Normans took over in the 11th century and enlarged the palace to give it pretty much its present exterior. The subsequent rulers, Swabians, Aragonese, Angevins, all changed bits here and there and used it for different purposes. The Spanish arrived at the beginning of the 16th century and the palace became the seat of the Inquisition. Two hundred years later Vittorio Amedeo, King of Savoy, arrived and then the palace and the island passed to the Bourbons. They worked on the Palace, making it their permanent residence. The unification of Italy in the 19th century saw the end of the Bourbons and its functions changed again to more scientific and cultural purposes. In 1921 the Palace was purchased by the Italian State and it started to assume its modern role as seat of the Parliament of Sicily and Palermo's Astronomical Observatory. There is much to see, from the sumptuous Royal apartments to the dazzling Palatine Chapel, built by Roger II in the 12th century with its fusion of Islamic, Norman and Byzantine styles, lavish is an understatement.
Written 30 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
plgarlepied
New Orleans, LA2,515 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
It was a beautiful palace & chapel but expensive at 19€/pp. my guide book says the upper floor of the apartments are closed tues through thurs…I do not know if the price is reduced on those days..the sign at the ticket booth did Not indicate that it was.
You will go through security like at the airport & then there is a bathroom for 50 cents & same for the one at the back side near the royal garden (can be skipped) & small cafe (another larger cafe on 2nd floor)
Part of why I gave a 3 is because there is NO audioguide & no information signs/place cards, so you have no idea what you are looking at, except for maybe in 3 spots over the entire place, & I think only 1 or 2 had English. Luckily I had my guide book that explained almost all the areas. We spent 1.5 hr including the gift shop & WC(can be done in 1 hr)
Tip: outside before you go in, there is a someone selling guide books…not sure how much but might be worth it?
Also, Not sure there is an elevator. I saw 1, but it was not in use..,
You will go through security like at the airport & then there is a bathroom for 50 cents & same for the one at the back side near the royal garden (can be skipped) & small cafe (another larger cafe on 2nd floor)
Part of why I gave a 3 is because there is NO audioguide & no information signs/place cards, so you have no idea what you are looking at, except for maybe in 3 spots over the entire place, & I think only 1 or 2 had English. Luckily I had my guide book that explained almost all the areas. We spent 1.5 hr including the gift shop & WC(can be done in 1 hr)
Tip: outside before you go in, there is a someone selling guide books…not sure how much but might be worth it?
Also, Not sure there is an elevator. I saw 1, but it was not in use..,
Written 23 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David E
Nantwich, UK51 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Whilst I was in a queue for the tickets, I had a read through the previous reviews.
There is a range from “brilliant” to “awful”( mostly positive)
Essentially, we had a wonderful time. The combination of the majesty of the Norman Palace, the incredible Art and mosaics within the Palatine chapel, an exhibition of the historic walls and foundations and the added bonus of an art exhibition were, in my opinion, entirely sufficient to justify the relatively steep price (of course you get a discount if you’re still within the EU, but us Brits have to pay the full price of €19 per head).
We arrived at lunchtime, I suspect some of the previous problems have been when people have arrived later.
A good hour and a half’s entertainment
Well worth the effort
There is a range from “brilliant” to “awful”( mostly positive)
Essentially, we had a wonderful time. The combination of the majesty of the Norman Palace, the incredible Art and mosaics within the Palatine chapel, an exhibition of the historic walls and foundations and the added bonus of an art exhibition were, in my opinion, entirely sufficient to justify the relatively steep price (of course you get a discount if you’re still within the EU, but us Brits have to pay the full price of €19 per head).
We arrived at lunchtime, I suspect some of the previous problems have been when people have arrived later.
A good hour and a half’s entertainment
Well worth the effort
Written 1 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
berniemcg29
Caldwell, NJ132 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
On a warm Feb afternoon we visited this lovely Palace and museum. The staff were helpful, spoke good English and were unobtrusive throughout. It is ideally located minutes off of the main market and Square, up a street with museums, gardens and restaurants.
The exhibits were excellent. The lighting was subdued, the atmosphere calm and the placards were in Italian and English. The explanations were comprehensive without overdoing it. Each room was spectacular and showed artifacts from ancient to the Middle Ages on Palermo. Gone is the discussion of a conquest; normal for Western Civ education. Instead there is a naturalness to the way that discovery to reign by monarchs is described. The tapestries and artistic works were wonderful. One approaches each room via a staircase that wraps around the interior courtyard and moves from era to era. The site is exquisite and the art and history is quite accessible.
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The exhibits were excellent. The lighting was subdued, the atmosphere calm and the placards were in Italian and English. The explanations were comprehensive without overdoing it. Each room was spectacular and showed artifacts from ancient to the Middle Ages on Palermo. Gone is the discussion of a conquest; normal for Western Civ education. Instead there is a naturalness to the way that discovery to reign by monarchs is described. The tapestries and artistic works were wonderful. One approaches each room via a staircase that wraps around the interior courtyard and moves from era to era. The site is exquisite and the art and history is quite accessible.
If you found this review of value, please click the HELPFUL button, as I appreciate your feedback. Thank you
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edel213
Dublin, Ireland146 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
The Norman Palace (AKA Royal Palace) is considered one of the highlights of a visit to Palermo. I was very disappointed though. The Chapel is undoubtedly spectacular and worth a visit. The state apartments are very nice too. However, that’s about it. The other ‘exhibit’ was called Meta and promised a view of the future of art. We queued for an hour to get into this and all it was was a body scan for which we had to scan a QR code and provide our names and email addresses. I can honestly say I have no idea why. The ‘scan’ lasted less than 2 mi mutes and then we were shown out. The gardens were small. We paid €22 entry plus €5 for an audio guide, both of which were grossly overpriced for what we got. The final insult was that the toilets, for which we had to pay, had no toilet paper or soap😡. All in all a disappointing experience.
Written 25 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Companion824825
Barnsley, UK4 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We were only able to visit the main hall/ chapel (the rest of building was shut for refurbishment!) which I have to say was spectacular. However, the entrance fee was maintained at 15 euros per person which took the shine off what was basically a one room, 20 minute visit. There are many more places to see in Palermo that offer equally spectacular architecture and design and much better value for money.
Written 3 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What days are the Royal Apartments closed?
Written 1 October 2024
How can I get from cruise port to Norman Palace? How much is a taxi?
Written 28 February 2023
If you like walking it’s about a 30 to 40 minute walk through very interesting parts of Naples. It’s flat and reasonably direct. Google maps can guide you. I rarely use taxis, so can’t help you there.
Written 5 March 2023
Ciao, è presente un deposito bagagli all'interno?
Written 17 July 2021
¿ Se pueden hacer fotos ?
Written 29 October 2020
sorry, actually I don not have any pics, pls try to google :-)
Written 31 October 2020
Kim yaptirmis ne zaman yapilmis nasil ziyaret edenilirim
Written 6 October 2019
I will be visiting on my last day in Palermo. Is there an area to put a travellers backpack?
Written 17 September 2019
I believe so. It DOES go through a security screening (xray), though.
Written 18 September 2019
Hola! ¿cuánto cuesta la visita? ¿Recuerdas los horarios de apertura? Gracias!
Written 15 July 2019
Ciao, vorrei sapere se nel mese di luglio il parcheggio è aperto la domenica ed in caso affermativo in quali orari.
Non riesco a trovare un contatto telefonico valido, l'unico che ho trovato è un fisso che risulta disattivato.
Sulle pagine gialle cercando parcheggi in questa zona trovo 2 risultati, uno è Cirrincione, l'altro è Palazzo Normanni ma non riesco a capire se si tratti dello stesso parcheggio. Grazie anticipatamente, Paolo
Written 5 June 2019
Ciao, sono stato ad Aprile ma non ricordo di alcun parcheggio nelle vicinanze
Written 9 June 2019
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