La Zisa

Frommer's Review

Only the shell of the former Moorish palace remains, and its claims to resemble the Alhambra in Granada are so far-fetched as to be ridiculous. But an aura of Arabian Nights still lingers about the place. With a little imagination you can conjure up dancers who entertained the various sultans centuries ago.

Moorish craftsmen started the palace in 1166 under William I; it was finished in 1175 for his son, William II. La Zisa was the major building in a royal park that also embraced La Cuba. This beautifully landscaped park was called Genoard, meaning "terrestrial paradise," and was celebrated throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. The park was fenced in so that wild animals could roam about. Unfortunately, by the 16th century, the palace's heyday was all but a memory, and it was used as a depository for objects contaminated by the plague.

The structure you see today is high and compact. Two square towers flank the short sides of the castle. With its richness long stripped away, the interior is no longer remarkable, but you can still get some impression of the former sultan's palace. On the ground floor as you enter is the Fountain Hall, built on a cross plan. On the second floor is a good collection of Arabic art and artifacts.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Back to Top