Palazzo Conte Federico is one of
the oldest and most important buildings in Palermo.
It is in the centre of the old city only a few steps
away from the Cathedral, the Royal Palace and the Cappella
Palatina.
It has two entrances, one on the Via dei Biscottari
and one on the Piazza Conte Federico.
The palace is built on Punic-Roman city walls which
originally surrounded ancient Panormus.
The tower on the south side of the palace is one of
the few remaining parts of the old city wall.
It dates back to the 12th century and is Arabic-Norman
origin. Above the double-arched Norman windows can
be seen the coat of arms of the imperial family of
the Hohenstaufen, of the kingdom of Aragonia and the
city of Palermo.
In the course of the centuries Count Federico's palace
has undergone several reconstructions. Because of
this you can observe various architectural styles:
High painted ceilings from the 14th century, baroque
ceiling frescoes by Vito D'Anna and Gaspare Serenario,
various sculptures and Marabitti's lion fountain from
the 17th century as well as the grand stairway with
the interior walls done by Marvuglia.
In the numerous halls valuable antiques and paintings
can be admired. Of special notice is the weapon collection
in the knights' hall.