About
Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri, also known as Steri Palace or Palazzo Steri, stands on Piazza Marina in Palermo, on the Sicilian coast. It is a Gothic palace built in 1307 by the Chiaramonte family, and its stone walls have held a long and varied history since then.
The history of the building
The palace later served as the seat of the Spanish Inquisition, a role that gives the building much of its weight for visitors today. Its story reaches from the medieval noble household to a place of judgment, and the rooms still carry that layered past.
What you will find today
The palace now houses the rectorate of the University of Palermo, so it remains a working institution as well as a monument. Historical exhibitions are also held within its walls, which gives a visit a focus on the building's own story. Visitors interested in the following may find it rewarding:
- Gothic architecture of the fourteenth century
- The Inquisition and its presence in Sicily
- The university's historic setting
The area around it
Piazza Marina is a broad square in the historic heart of Palermo, so the palace makes a natural stop when exploring the old city on foot. Nearby streets offer the mix of markets, churches and street life that defines the city, and a visit can easily be paired with a walk through the surrounding neighbourhoods.
For up-to-date details on visiting, you can call the palace on +39 091 238 93111. The address is Piazza Marina, 61, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy.
