A beautiful courtyard the "Court maqueda", and a red marble staircase, introduce the Royal Palace to the "Palatine Chapel" built by King Roger II in 1132 and consecrated in 1143 as evidenced by an inscription on the dome. Numerous Arab and Byzantine craftsmen used in the construction of the chapel. The plant is one of the Latin basilica with three naves, the sanctuary stands a dome in Byzantine style, and of Arab origin are the arches of the nave and the wooden ceiling decorated with muqarnas typical of Muslim architecture. Splendid golden mosaics on the walls, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, and the 'massive christ almighty blessing, like that of the Cathedral of Cefalù and Monreale.
A beautiful gate is sited just before the main entrance, where the two statues of St. Benedict and St. Placido are on either side of it. The front side is made of white marble. On the top, a tower with three bells. Inside, marble and stucco on the walls, four altars, paintings of Napoli and Rapisardi. The floor, as the main altar, is made of polychrome marble.