Cuba Palace, Palermo, Italy

The Cuba Palace in Palermo was built in 1180 by William II of Sicily in his great Royal Park, as his personal recreation pavilion, together with an artificial lake: it shows strong Fatimid art influences, as it was (at least partially) designed and decorated by Arab artists still living in Palermo after the Norman conquest in 1072. During the rule of Bourbon kings of Naples it was annexed to a barracks. In the 16th century it was turned into a lepers' colony.

The edifice has a rectangular plan, with massive forms. The four façades are marked by blind arcades, small windows, and niches. The name Cuba derives in fact from its approximately cubical form. The famous Italian Middle Ages author Boccaccio was impressed by the Cuba and set here one of the novellas included in the Decameron.

The Cubola or Little Cuba is another edifice built by William II for his park, in smaller dimensions. The most striking feature of the Cubola is the little hemi-spherical cupola.

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Castles and fortifications in Italy

User Reviews

Albert Prat (7 months ago)
One because i cant put 0

Leopoldo La Ciura (8 months ago)
The Cuba Palace in Palermo is an extraordinary example of Arab-Norman architecture. Built in the 12th century by order of King William II, the palace was originally part of a vast complex of royal buildings that included gardens, fountains, and artificial basins. The name "Cuba" comes from the Arabic term "qubba", which means "dome", a reference to the characteristic dome of the palace. Despite changes and restorations over the centuries, the Cuba Palace still retains many of its original features, including the facade decorated with blind arches and the hemispherical dome. The interior of the palace is equally impressive, with vaulted ceilings and intricate mosaics that reflect the influence of Islamic art. Unfortunately, much of the interior is not accessible to the public, but this does not detract from the external beauty of the building. Located in a public park, the Cuba Palace is a quiet and picturesque place, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a perfect place for a relaxing walk or to admire historic architecture. In conclusion, the Cuba Palace is a hidden treasure of Palermo that deserves to be discovered. With its rich history and architectural beauty, it offers a unique experience for art and history lovers. If you find yourself in Palermo, be sure to pay a visit to this fascinating historical monument.

Mary (2 years ago)
Small but cute

Terry D. Jones (4 years ago)
Signage is not very helpful. There is little of the original buildings remaining.

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