The original layout was surrounded by a massive park known as the 'Genoardo', a corruption of the Arabic 'Jannat al-ard' or 'Earthly Paradise'.
The ventilation system is a rare surviving example of bioclimatic architecture from the Middle Ages.
The central 'Sala della Fontana' retains original wall mosaics and a marble fountain with a water channel running through the floor.
The palace was heavily renovated in the 1970s and 1980s to address structural damage caused by 19th-century residential use.
The exterior retains its original Norman-Arab facade, characterized by blind arches and geometric carvings.
Zisa Palace, or La Zisa, is a 12th-century Norman-Arab villa built by King William I and completed by William II. It served as a summer residence for the Norman kings, designed as a 'solatium' or place of pleasure. The structure exhibits the 'tripartite' division typical of Fatimid palace architecture, featuring a central hall with an internal fountain system. The name derives from the Arabic 'al-Aziza', meaning 'the glorious' or 'the beautiful'. Its innovative cooling system utilized wind shafts that funneled air over water basins to combat the Sicilian summer heat. Following Norman rule, the palace underwent significant modifications, including the addition of crenellations in the 17th century. It currently houses the Museum of Islamic Art, displaying artifacts such as Mashrabiya screens and brass instruments. The palace is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site titled 'Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale'.
From the center of the lawn facing the main entrance, capturing the symmetrical facade and the front water basin.
Walk the perimeter of the surrounding park for views of the exterior walls that are not visible from the main entrance.
Look for the distinct water-trough system in the central hall to understand the ancient climate control design.
Visit the small garden area in front of the palace for a view of the reflecting pool.
Do not expect a fully furnished royal palace; the interior focus is on the architecture and the Islamic art collection.
Closed on Mondays.
