Palazzo dei Normanni and its History

This imposing building was begun by the Arabs in the 9th century and then in the 12th century it was enlarged by the Normans who turned the original Punic-Roman fortress into a splendid royal palace. Arabs and Byzantyns worked to enlarge the complex and to build the four towers. Under Ruggero II, who wanted at the centre of the palace a splendid chapel, the complex became a sumptuous royal palace, centre of the policy and administrative life. With Federico II the palace was one of the most lively cultural centres. The building has a polygonal plan and four towers in the corners; it included suites, saloons, hangings gardens, terraces, open galleries and fountains. Abandoned in ruins after the decline of the Swabians' reign, the palace was rebuilt in the 16th century by the Spanish Vicere’. They made of it their residence: demolished two of the four towers and built the vast facade on Piazza Vittoria, the yard called Maqueda and the hanging garden of the fountain.