Palatine Chapel

In the heart of Palermo, the Palatine Chapel represents a unique fusion of Norman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Latin artistic traditions. It was commissioned in the 12th century and reflects the multicultural character of Norman Sicily at its height. Italian Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero highlights the chapel’s interior, where shimmering Byzantine mosaics depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments cover the upper walls, set against richly carved wooden ceilings executed in the intricate muqarnas style of Islamic art. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)