Palazzo della Zisa

Overview

La Zisa (from the Arabic al-Azīza, 'the splendid') is a 12th-century pleasure palace built for the Norman King William I. Its Fatimid-inspired architecture, muqarnas vaults, and water features make it one of the finest surviving examples of Arab-Norman art.

Highlights

• Fountain Hall: A ground-floor room with a wall fountain, water channel, and muqarnas ceiling — designed to cool the interior.
• Islamic Art Museum: Upstairs galleries display carved wood, ceramics, and metalwork from the Islamic world.
• Exterior: A symmetrical three-storey façade with blind arcades characteristic of Fatimid palaces.

History

William I began construction in 1165; William II completed it around 1180. Abandoned after the fall of the Normans, it was fortified by the Chiaramonte family and later fell into ruin. A full restoration was completed in 1991.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Visit the fountain hall first when the sunlight catches the water.
• Tip 2: Part of the UNESCO Arab-Norman itinerary; combine with Palazzo dei Normanni.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.