Palermo Half Day Tour - Arabic Norman Walk

I am an architect in love with art and architecture and, living in Sicily, specially in Palermo, has marked my life forever. Walking through the streets of the historic center has always been a great thrill. As a child, I remember being intimidated by the churches and the imposing and elegant buildings. Studying history and later architecture made me understand that Sicily is as a meeting point between different cultures in a unique place. In particular, the Arab-Norman period is one of the most fascinating in our history. Palermo's Arab-Norman architectural treasures, which were recently included on the world heritage list, are a living testimony of the convergence of Western and Eastern architectural and decorative traditions, Arabic, Byzantine and Latin. We will visit the old town, including the Palatine Chapel, the Cathedral, the 4 Corners, the Pretoria Fountain, the Church of Santa Maria dell'ammiraglio and we will also see the food market. Let me share all my knowledge and passion with you!

Our Arab-Norman tour covers: - The Palazzo Reale, residence of Conte Ruggero, as well as the Palatine Chapel, which holds spectacular mosaics of the 12th century; - The Cathedral of Palermo, which served as a fortress from early on (6th cent. ) and as a funeral temple for kings, their families, and archbishops; - Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (also known as La Martorana), built in the 12th century during the Norman period, which preserve some faithful examples of Arabic architecture, albeit the latter owes its current appearance to additions made in the 16th century; - The picturesque open-air food market with its incredible Arabic atmosphere! *Every tour with me is fully customized, personalized to your interests. *This tour can be combined with the Monreale tour. *If needed, I can arrange a car with driver (with an extra cost).