Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri
A 14th-century noble castle that later served as the headquarters and prison of the Spanish Inquisition. Prisoners left prayers, poems and drawings on the cell walls, and the palace also holds Guttuso's large painting 'La Vucciria'.
Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri was begun in 1307 by the Chiaramonte family and is a leading example of Sicilian Gothic palace architecture. Its hall with a painted wooden ceiling is especially precious. From 1600 to 1782 it served as the headquarters and prison of the Spanish Inquisition. The cells, restored and open to visitors, still bear prayers, verses and drawings left by the prisoners, which are deeply moving. The palace now belongs to the University of Palermo, and it displays Renato Guttuso's large oil painting 'La Vucciria'. Admission is about €10, and visits are often conducted as guided tours.
Opening hours
About 10:00 am–6:00 pm (closed Mondays; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum
- Palazzo Abatellis (Regional Gallery of Sicily)
- La Vucciria
- Orto Botanico di Palermo
- Oratorio del Rosario di Santa Cita
- La Martorana & San Cataldo
- Santa Caterina Church & Monastery
- Fontana Pretoria