Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel — Attraction in Palermo

I don’t know if there is a Customer Journey Manager but if there is one, I have a lot to say to themi! 1) you have to buy tickets at a kiosk far away from the entrance, why? You queue there, then you have to queue again at the entrance. 2) while queuing with my ticket and the queue being stopped for several minutes, some ppl are just getting in without tickets and being given a to ticket without exchange of money at the entrance… so they get free entrance? 3) you have to go through the shop to get to the start of the visit… barely no way. to really see it after security check and the crowd in the shop 4) there is a Thesaurus exhibition, no sign explaning it at all, and there is a film about the chapel in the same room, even though there is no relation. 5) going down to the wall downstairs, big sign just in front of the stairs, impossible to read it properly without getting people annoyed by you standing at the end of the stairs. 6) toilets are not free and are outside in a random place. with the price of the tickets (super expensive!) toilets should be free. 7) there was another exhibition. i was told I need an additional ticket for that. but they are not selling the tickets there. am I supposed to leave the building, go back to the little kiosk outside in the park and queue again?? 8) the royal gardens, not worth it. i went to look at the cafe there. both employees were on their phones and didnˆt bother getting their faces away from their phone when I entered. 9) most employees are very rude except for the one guy at the entrance to the chapel. 10) have some seats here and there for people who needs to sit and can not stand for long period of times… 11) the price is too excessive and no one tells you that the apartments are closed until you bought the ticket, is inside and are looking for the entrance. no information anywhere. 12) audioguide might be a good idea and a room with close ups of the mosaics with explanation of what...

Visiting the Palatine Chapel and the Palazzo dei Normanni was an experience beyond compare—a journey through centuries of art, history, and culture that reached a new pinnacle with the addition of a captivating Pablo Picasso art exhibit. The Palatine Chapel dazzles with its awe-inspiring Byzantine mosaics, intricate wooden carvings, and lavish gold details that capture the splendor of a bygone era. Every surface tells a story, with vibrant hues and meticulous craftsmanship reflecting a fusion of Norman, Arab, and Byzantine influences.

The Palazzo dei Normanni stands as a majestic testament to Sicily’s rich heritage. Its grand halls and regal chambers exude opulence and historical significance, inviting visitors to wander through storied corridors where echoes of ancient debates and royal decrees still seem to linger. Thoughtfully curated exhibits and detailed guided tours add layers of insight into the region’s transformative past.

Enhancing this historical journey is the Pablo Picasso art exhibit, a brilliant interlude that bridges the classical and the modern. The exhibit features a remarkable collection of Picasso’s work, showcasing his innovative techniques and visionary style. It provides a fresh, dynamic perspective that complements the timeless ambiance of the chapel and palace, creating a dialogue between centuries of creative expression.

Together, these extraordinary attractions create an immersive cultural tapestry that is both educational and inspirational. Whether you’re an art aficionado, history enthusiast, or architecture lover, this combined experience is an absolute must. I wholeheartedly award this visit 5 stars for its breathtaking beauty, profound historical significance, and the unforgettable journey it offers into the heart of...

The Palatine Chapel is exquisite. Its early Christian style is reminiscent of Orthodox churches found in Eastern Europe. The royal apartments are nothing special I think. If you've never visited a palace before, they might impress you perhaps. The royal garden is nice and offers a great view of the mountains surrounding Palermo. There is also a space dedicated to temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. The one we saw was OK but nothing special. All of these are housed in a palace, more than half of which is occupied by the regional parliament and several politicians' offices, and thus inaccessible to visitors. The ticket was 19 euros per person, which I think is overpriced. Several famous European art exhibitions such as the Louvre charge less than that. I understand there may be valid reasons for this and I am not upset by the price itself. I am upset however that after paying 19 euros, I am expected to pay an additional fee to use the toilet. I am upset that the entrance hallway is occupied by a huge gift shop that's meant to extract more money from me, but the ticket office is 100 meters away in the park in front of the palace. If you are really passionate about the subject matter on display, visiting this might feel like a good deal for you; from my perspective, I think your hard-earned 19 euros would be better spent in one of the many excellent family-owned restaurants nearby. If you do decide to visit, check the timetable, as I understand that some parts cannot be visited on certain days...