Palazzo Chiaramonte Steri is a formidable medieval palace on Piazza Marina in Palermo’s Kalsa district. Begun in the early 14th century for the powerful Chiaramonte family, its fortress-like mass and elegant mullioned windows are hallmarks of the distinctive Chiaramontano style. The name Steri is thought to derive from hosterium, a Latin term for a fortified residence.
The palace tells a particularly vivid story of Sicilian power. After Andrea Chiaramonte was executed outside in 1392, the building passed into royal hands and later housed the Spanish Inquisition. Its prison cells preserve drawings, prayers and inscriptions left by detainees. Another highlight is the painted wooden ceiling of the Sala Magna, filled with medieval scenes and stories.
Check current opening hours and tour arrangements before visiting, as access to some rooms may be restricted. Allow time for the prison cells and the great hall, then step into Piazza Marina to see the palace in its historic setting.