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…
Tag: norman-arab
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…
Conservationists at Work
Conservationists photographed while working in the cloisters of the Cathedral at Monreale. Each of the 228 columns of the cloister are unique, and their restoration requires painstaking detail in order to maintain the integrity of the designs from the early 1200s when the peaceful, square colonnade was constructed.
A Tranquil Fountain
At one corner of the Cloister of the Cathedral of Monreale, there is a bubbling fountain surrounded by a few of the 228 unique columns that make up this tranquil, not-to-be-missed site. Built around 1200 AD, William II commissioned artisans from Sicily as well as those from Venice in order to create a unique sanctuary–both…
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,…
La Zisa: Another Jewel of Palermo
Palermo’s La Zisa is a 12th century palace that was constructed by Moorish craftsmen in the Norman-Arab style. (Photo Credit: Experience Sicily’s Filippo Buttitta)
La Zisa
Another example of Palermo’s Norman-Arab architecture, La Zisa is a 12th century palace that was constructed by Moorish craftsmen. It possesses a fascinating design that enables air to move through its rooms and water to run between floors. Today, you can only imagine how beautiful it once was. Its internal courtyard and fountain give you…
Persia or Palermo?
The Cloister of the Cathedral at Monreale is one of my most favorite places in Sicily. 228 uniquely designed columns and a bubbling fountain line the center garden. The Norman-Arab architecture leads you to believe you could be in ancient Persia. It’s beautiful and peaceful and has a story all its own.
Kalsa’s Magione
“La Magione” basilica in the originally-Arab Kalsa district of Palermo is another example of Norman-Arab architecture. Built around 1190, it is one of the oldest churches in Palermo. It’s proper name is the Basilica of the Holy Trinity of the Chancellor. It came to be commonly known as La Magione because “magione” translates to “mansion.”…
That’s Dedication
Among all of the summer-fun of today’s Ferragosto celebration, let’s not forget that today is The Assumption, the feast day that celebrates the occasion when the Virgin Mother ascended into Heaven. This Byzantine-style mosaic, which dates between 1146-1151, is from Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio or “The Martorana” church in Palermo. It shows Admiral George of Antioch…