Castello della Zisa is a Norman-era construction dating back to the 12th century. It was erected in the lush Genoardo Park, the ‘paradise on earth’, employing Muslim architects, and was modelled on the palaces of North Africa and Egypt. In fact, Norman rulers wanted to emulate the splendour and opulence of Arab emirs’ residences, as well as their ceremonials and customs in court life. The word Zisa is supposed to derive from al-Azîz, which means ‘the splendid’ in Arabic.
Originally conceived as a summer residence just outside the city, for the rest and recreation of William I and his successors, the building went through several transformations over the centuries. One of these destroyed part of the inscription in kufic characters that adorned the structure.
Currently, the rooms of the castle house a museum of Arab-North-African art. The wonderful castle garden is also definitely worth a visit.