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.