Zisa Castle (Castello della Zisa) Tours
43 Reviews

Zisa Castle (Castello della Zisa) is yet another remnant of Moorish reign in Sicily. The Norman castle was built in the 12th century, and it’s worth a visit although the interior has long since been cleared of its original decoration.
The palace of La Zisa was originally designed as part of an extensive park that served as a royal summer retreat. The grounds were stocked with wild animals (and fenced), giving the royals something to hunt. The park, known as the Genoard, also included another Norman-era palace that still stands in Palermo, La Cuba.
There were architectural alterations made in the 14th century, and by the 16th century the building had fallen into disrepair - it was even being used to store items contaminated with the plague. In the 1970s, city officials in Palermo acquired and began to restore La Zisa, a project that took more than 20 years. Today, the palace houses a Museum of Islamic Art on the second floor. The most impressive room is called the “Fountain Room,” a two-storey chamber into which you enter from the main doors, which contains some of its original Moorish decorations.
The palace of La Zisa was originally designed as part of an extensive park that served as a royal summer retreat. The grounds were stocked with wild animals (and fenced), giving the royals something to hunt. The park, known as the Genoard, also included another Norman-era palace that still stands in Palermo, La Cuba.
There were architectural alterations made in the 14th century, and by the 16th century the building had fallen into disrepair - it was even being used to store items contaminated with the plague. In the 1970s, city officials in Palermo acquired and began to restore La Zisa, a project that took more than 20 years. Today, the palace houses a Museum of Islamic Art on the second floor. The most impressive room is called the “Fountain Room,” a two-storey chamber into which you enter from the main doors, which contains some of its original Moorish decorations.
Practical Info
La Zisa and its adjacent garden are open daily, with hours varying from weekdays to weekends.
Address: Piazza Zisa, Palermo, 90135, Italy
Hours: Sun-Mon 9am-1:30pm, Tue-Sat 9am-7pm
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Zisa Castle (Castello della Zisa)
Sort by:Featured

Private Tour Unusual Sicily 3 days
3-day western Sicily minitour to explore an alternative Sicily with new routes
Tour included hostess escort in Italian or English
…More
From
$858.59
Price varies by group size
From
$858.59
Price varies by group size

Palermo city half day tour
The tour was organized to admire the beauties of the historic center of Palermo with its marvelous Cathedral, Castello della Zisa and the renowned Capuchin Catacombs.
Finally stop at Porta Carbone with street food tasting (Panelle, Crocchè Panino con Milza)
…More
From
$153.54
Price varies by group size
From
$153.54
Price varies by group size

Private Palermo & Monreale Historical Tour
Palermo is rich in historic and cultural treasures, but getting around the city and nearby Monreale with public transportation can be stressful and time consuming. Save hours by exploring with a private driver, skipping the hassle of crowded buses and trains and taking in highlights like the Norman palace, Zisa Castle, and Ballarò and Vucciria markets in just hours. Afterwards, set off to nearby Monreale to admire its magnificent cathedral.
…More
From
$190.89
Price varies by group size
From
$190.89
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Things to do near Palermo
- Things to do in Sicily
- Things to do in Trapani
- Things to do in Agrigento
- Things to do in Catania
- Things to do in Taormina
- Things to do in Messina
- Things to do in Syracuse
- Things to do in Mellieha
- Things to do in Valletta
- Things to do in Sorrento
- Things to do in Positano
- Things to do in Naples
- Things to do in Rome
- Things to do in Amalfi Coast
- Things to do in Lazio