When approached from this side angle, you can see that La Zisa (a name derived from the Arab word “El Aziz,” or The Splendid) is a combination fortress and palace. Commissioned by Norman King William I (1153-1166) and completed by his son, William II (1172-1189), the residence, now a museum and historic architectural wonder, is…
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A Palace Reflective of a Kingdom
La Zisa palace was commissioned by Norman King William I (1153-1166) and finished by his son, William II (1172-1189) in 1175. The name Zisa is derived from the Arab word “El Aziz,” or The Splendid. The palace was originally surrounded by gardens. Today, it still is the focal point of a public park, but the…
The Splendid
La Zisa, which is currently open to the public as a museum, had been a residence since the 12th century when it was first constructed. Parts of it still maintain its original Moorish splendor–a good word to use because its name “La Zisa” was derived from the Arab word “al-Aziz,” meaning splendid. Throughout its history,…