The ceiling, made of painted wood, consists of two rows of central coffers, with concave lobes, flanked by small square or star-shaped coffers; the system is made of alveoli and [approfondimenti id="48768" testo_link="muqarnas"], typical of Islamic architecture.We note, in particular, that the [appr...

The ceiling of the Palatine Chapel, an emblem of the union of craftsmen from different cultures and ethnic groups, is one of the most important artefacts of medieval art, due to the originality of the decorations and the construction technique used. The compositional matrix of the ceiling, which cov...

The mosaics in the naves date back to a later period than those in the presbytery. In the two side [approfondimenti id="49684" testo_link="aisles"], the [approfondimenti id="50766" testo_link="opus sectile"] decoration of the floor continues in the lower order of the walls.  A ribbon with a stylise...

The [approfondimenti id="50421" testo_link="presbytery"] is divided from the nave by two [approfondimenti id="50591" testo_link="triumphal arches"].The first, which separates the hall from the sanctuary, depicts the scene of Jesus in the Temple, while the second, near the [approfondimenti id="50424"...

The mosaic cycle of the Palatine Chapel, as in a [approfondimenti id="50811" testo_link="biblia pauperum"], tells the story of Salvation, through representations taken from the Old and New Testaments, which culminate in [approfondimenti id="49714" testo_link="Christ Pantocrator"], surrounded by an a...

The Romanesque-style royal throne is located on the western wall of the chapel, dating back to the 12th century, decorated in [approfondimenti id="50766" testo_link="opus sectile"]. The throne is characterised by the extensive use of [approfondimenti id="50419" testo_link="porphyry"], a marble whic...

The flooring of the Palatine Chapel is made of [approfondimenti id="50766" testo_link="opus sectile"], composed of tiny marble tiles of different colours and shades; the large  [approfondimenti id="50419" testo_link="porphyry tondos"] (omphalos) come from circular sections of ancient columns. On t...

The Palatine Chapel is located on the first floor of the Royal Palace, where the Sicilian Regional Assembly (ARS) is currently based, as if inside a casket, also in relation to its function of political representation.The building stands on previous buildings on the ground floor, such as the palace...

The king's private chapel was built as a basilica in the form of a [approfondimenti id="50769" testo_link="Latin cross"], with a longitudinal plan and three [approfondimenti id="49684" testo_link="naves"], separated by five [approfondimenti id="48158" testo_link="pointed arches"] on each side, on pi...

Roger II dedicated himself to enlarging the emir's former palace to make it his own palace. For this reason, in the external architectural layout of the Palace, one can see the various layers of both Islamic and Romanesque styles. The new king worked mainly on the middle floor of the building, where...