La Zisa
Castello della Zisa
A 12th-century summer palace of the Norman kings, built in Arab style. The stalactite vaulting of the fountain hall is exquisite, and the building now houses a museum of Islamic art.
La Zisa was begun around 1165 by William I. Its name comes from the Arabic word for 'splendid'. It was the Norman kings' summer residence in a royal park outside the city walls, and it is part of the Arab-Norman World Heritage Site. The building has a simple, square exterior, and its interior uses ventilation towers and running water for cooling. On the ground floor, the Fountain Hall features a stepped stalactite vault and mosaics, and a water channel once flowed out to a pool in front of the palace. The upper floors house the Museum of Islamic Art. Admission is a few euros. It lies on the west side of the old town and can be reached on foot or by bus.
Opening hours
About 09:00–19:00 (Sunday morning schedule; check website)
Nearby sights
- Capuchin Catacombs
- Mercato del Capo
- Palazzo dei Normanni & Cappella Palatina
- Palermo Historic Centre
- San Giovanni degli Eremiti
- Teatro Massimo
- Teatro Politeama Garibaldi
- Antonino Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum