Zisa Palace

This was a fascinating visit, and I am so grateful I got to see this unique palace, especially as I am a professor of cultural heritage with expertise in Islamic art history. I was thrilled to explore and marvel at the Islamic elements of the design and decor -- this is a very special architectural gem. Yes, they have a long way to go in restoring it and adding proper signage and context, but for now that's part of its charm -- we get to see it before it's all perfectly curated for the masses, and observe its run-down natural state before it gets all put back together and polished. It's a lovely ruin, and I am glad I got to see it.

This place is great for Italians but not for English speakers. We paid 8 euro each and we were told that there was English everywhere to read. This was completely incorrect. When we went in it was being refurbished and many of the rooms were not open to us. English was unavailable to read and we had no idea who built the Palace or any information about it. If we would have known that English reading was not available then we would not have paid the 8 euro. We tried to get our money back but the lady said that she agreed with us and we were right but she still would not return our money. The palace has a long way to go before being returned to it's glory. Right now it was quite boring and we came out knowing no more than when we went in and we went in to learn about Sicily.

A world treasure not to be missed. This is an Arab Norman Palace from the 12th century, perfectly restored and absolutely amazing. I came out here twice because the first time it was closed and I’m really grateful that I made the effort. It may be closed on Mondays. I got in on Tuesday.

The lady who works in the shop was lovely and a real gem but other than that this place needs to be avoided! How on earth it is a UNESCO site is beyond me. The area is incredibly bleak, depressing and feels dangerous. The place itself is a slapdash of styles and cleaning attempts to present it to the world and keep it in a nice way, but it has pigeon nets up with feathers everywhere and potentially trapped birds, it has almost nothing on display and you have to pay 8€ for the privilege. Seriously save yourself the time and money and don’t come here unless you want a sad experience because realistically it should have the funds to at least have the gardens maintained with some money to the local area, but the money is being sucked up somewhere by someone or some organisation…so ask yourself how ethical it is to spend your money here.

I disagree with one reviewer’s characterization of this 12th century Norman palace as merely a pigeon loft. The building is in good shape considering its age, and has some mosaics worth seeing in the fountain room, but you couldn’t actually go into the fountain room. The two upper floors were residential rooms with an interesting cooling/ventilation system.

Beautiful palace, still undergoing renovation, but already in great shape. Three floors and several rooms are accessible. It’s a bit of a walk from the city center. Tickets are 8 euros, but several categories get a discount (students, teachers etc). Very friendly personnel.

Unfortunately, in the past it was left unkept and than restored not very professionally (some exposed concrete beams, modern bricks, etc.). Still worth visiting.

Brilliant example of 12th century Norman palace. Restored since the last time I visited.