Palermo - Palazzo Lo Steri Chiaramonte

This palace, also known as Lo Steri (from hosterium), lies to the south of Santa Maria della Catena, on the far side of Via Vittorio Emanuele. It was built by the powerful noble Chiaramonte family from Agrigento in the 14th century, the time when the family reached the height of its powers only to fall from grace some years after. Work commenced in 1307 under Manfredi I. Chiaramonte, Count of Mädica and Seneschal (steward) of the Kingdom, and continued until 1380, but the second floor was never completed. In 1396 Andrea Chiaramonte was publicly beheaded in front of his palace because he had rebelled against King Martin I. Later the palace served as the viceroy's residence between 1468 and 1517, as the seat of the Inquisition (c. 1600) and as a courthouse from 1799.

It is a massive block building measuring 40 by 40m/130 by 130ft, with four wings around a square inner courtyard. The ground floor has a rather chilly appearance, while the first floor has some beautiful windows with pillared arcades divided into three. Inside, the wooden 14th century roof above the main nave with portrayals of historical and legendary themes has been preserved.