Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri

Overview

Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri is a 14th-century fortified palace in Piazza Marina that served successively as a baronial residence, seat of the Spanish Inquisition, and now houses the University of Palermo's rectorate. Its painted wooden ceiling and Inquisition graffiti cells are haunting highlights.

Highlights

• Painted Wooden Ceiling: A 14th-century masterpiece depicting chivalric romances and biblical stories.
• Inquisition Prison Cells: Walls covered in drawings, prayers, and poems by prisoners awaiting trial.
• Renato Guttuso Exhibition: Modern art by Sicily's most famous 20th-century painter.

History

The Chiaramonte family, barons of Modica, built the palace in 1307. After the Inquisition's abolition in 1782, the building became a courthouse and later university headquarters.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Book the guided tour to see the prison cells — they are not accessible independently.
• Tip 2: The Piazza Marina gardens outside are pleasant for a post-visit stroll.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.