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Zisa: Exterior view of side staircase and facade

Date

Circa 1910

Creator

G. Massiot & cie
Part of: Architectural Lantern Slides of Italy
Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries

The stair is a 17th century addition when the Zisa, reduced to very poor conditions, was purchased by Giovanni di Sandoval. The latter's marble emblem with two lions can be seen over the entrance. The external windows were also modified.

The Zisa is a castle in the western part of Palermo, Sicily. The construction was begun in the 12th century by Arab craftsmen for king William I of Sicily, and completed by his son William II. The edifice had been conceived as summer residence for the Norman kings, as a part of the large hunting resort known as Genoard ("Paradise on Earth") that included also the Cuba Sottana, the Cuba Soprana and the Uscibene palace. The Zisa is clearly inspired by Moorish architecture. The name Zisa itself derives from the Arab term al-Azîz, meaning "noble", "glorious", "magnificent". The same word, in Naskh script, is impressed in the entrance, according to the usual habit for the main Islamic edifices of the time. The central hall features what looks like a qibla niche with muqarnas and mosaic decoration which originally held a fountain.

Images

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Metadata

Creator
G. Massiot & cie
Date
Circa 1910
Publisher
Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries
Material Type
photographs
Conditions Governing Access
To view the physical lantern slide, please contact the Architecture Library to arrange an appointment
Related Location
Palermo, Sicily, Italy: west side of Palermo

Metadata

Campus Location
Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries
Link to Finding Aid
https://curate.nd.edu/show/c821gh96714
This digital collection may not include all items or all of the information available about the source collection. See the finding aid for more information.

Metadata

Contact Us

Our collection information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. If you have spotted an error, please contact Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries at asklib@nd.edu.


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Colosseum: Interior, showing rooms under the wooden floor

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Brescia Cathedral: Interior, nave looking towards apse and altar

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Pisa Cathedral: View of the piazza looking northeast, with the baptistery at left and the duomo in the center

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