Palatine Chapel (Capella Palatina) Tours and Activities
The Palatine Chapel inside Palermo’s Royal Palace—once the private chapel of the Norman Kingdom of Sicily—is one of the most breathtaking and important attractions in the city. The chapel seems to glow in a golden light, reflected by the ornate mosaics that cover its interior and are considered among the best in Italy.
The Basics
The original royal chapel inside Palermo’s Royal Palace (also known as the Palazzo Reale or Palazzo dei Normanni) was built during the late 11th century, and the Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina) was built on top of it a century later when the art of Byzantine mosaics was at its peak. The shimmering mosaics decorating the chapel interiors combine Norman, Arabic, and Byzantine styles, reflecting the city's cross-cultural history.
The Palatine Chapel is one of the top attractions in Palermo, and is best visited with a guide on a small-group or private tour to appreciate its complex history and important mosaic art. Most walking tours of the historic center of Palermo include a visit to the Royal Palace, home to both the Palatine Chapel and the Royal Apartments. You can also join a hop-on-hop-off bus tour and explore the palace’s chapel and other sights independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Walking tours of Palermo largely take place outdoors; a hat and sunscreen are recommended in summer.
- Touring the Royal Palace entails a fair amount of walking, so wear comfortable footwear.
- You must wear modest attire that covers the knees and shoulders to enter the chapel.
- The palace is accessible to wheelchairs and visitors are accompanied by a staff member to guarantee full access to the apartments and chapel (excluding the crypt).
How to Get There
The Palatine Chapel is located inside the Royal Palace in the heart of the city’s historic center, within walking distance of the port and train station. You can reach Sicily from mainland Italy by ferry, train, or plane.
When to Get There
The Royal Palace is the seat of the Sicilian Parliament; when parliament is in session (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday), the Royal Apartments are closed to the public. If you are interested in touring both the apartments and the Palatine Chapel inside the palace, visit between Friday and Monday.
Palermo’s Royal Palace
Palermo’s Palazzo dei Normanni is the oldest royal palace in Europe, an imposing Norman palace that was home to the Kings of Sicily during the Norman occupation. Today, the vast ninth-century building is seat to the Sicilian Parliament as well as the historic Royal Apartments and the Palatine Chapel.
Address: Piazza Indipendenza, Palermo 90129, Italy
7 Tours and Activities to Experience Palatine Chapel (Capella Palatina)
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Full Day City Tour in Palermo , Monreale and Mondello, from Palermo
3
Maximize your time in Palermo with this sightseeing tour, which showcases the best of the city and the surrounding region. Visit the hillside town of Monreale, known for its Norman cathedral and 12th-century mosaics, and explore Palermo’s historic center. Enjoy beach time at the seaside resort of Mondello and venture up Monte Pellegrino to view the 17th-century Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia cave shrine.
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From
$242.01
Price varies by group size
From
$242.01
Price varies by group size
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Palermo and Monreale
Hotel pick up. Half day reserved for the visit of the Norman Palace (where inside you can visit the wonderful Palatine Chapel). Free time to visit the Cathedral of Palermo, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Proceed in the direction of Monreale, to visit the Cathedral, considered one of the most beautiful churches in the world (where inside you can admire its magnificent mosaics, the very famous Christ Pantocrator and its imposing monumental pipe organ. Free time for the visit to the cloister and the gardens of the municipal Villa.
I'm going back to the hotel. End of our services.
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From
$196.23
per group
From
$196.23
per group
Private Palermo & Monreale Historical Tour
3
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.
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From
$188.05
Price varies by group size
From
$188.05
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
Learn More
Sicily Private Tour from Palermo: Monreale, Etna, Taormina, Agrigento (3 days)
3 days to discover all faces of Sicily:
The color of Palermo's market, the history of Agrigento, the heritage of the Etna Volcano and much more.
Always escorted by a professional driver and an english or french speaking tour guide.
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From
$1,163.84
Price varies by group size
From
$1,163.84
Price varies by group size
Palermo, Monreale, Mondello and Monte Pellegrino from Palermo, Private Tour
Discover the historical monuments of Palermo and Monreale on a private day tour. The Italian-English bilingual driver will take you around to see the most beautiful places, including the Cathedral of Palermo, the Royal Palace, the Palatine Chapel, the Piazza dei Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria, the historic Ballaró Market and others historical buildings.
Visit Monte Pellegrino to get to know the incredible cave of the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, the patron saint of the city of Palermo, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the whole city. This sacred mountain was celebrated by many illustrious travelers, who over the centuries have passed through Palermo, including Goethe who defined it as "the most beautiful promontory in the world".
Admire the well-known seaside resort of Mondello, one of the most beautiful, famous and renowned tourist and seaside resorts of Sicily.
The tour can be customized according to your interests.
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From
$185.13
Price varies by group size
From
$185.13
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
Learn More
Unesco Sicily Tour
3 day / 2 night vacation package
A journey to discover Palermo, Monreale and Cefalù declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
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From
$2,125.73
From
$2,125.73
Western Sicily Tour 4 days from Palermo - Sicily Tours
Tour of western Sicily to admire the beauties of Sicily beaches, archaeological sites, monuments and the Arab-Norman UNESCO heritage itinerary
Tour included hostess escort in Italian or English for the duration of the tour departing from Palermo center or Palermo Airport Punta Raisi Falcone Borsellino
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From
$1,197.93
Price varies by group size
From
$1,197.93
Price varies by group size
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