Cuba - an amazing example of the Arab-Norman style, the former country residence of the kings of Sicily in the vicinity of Palermo. The palace was built in the 12th century at the behest of King William II of the Good on his way to his official residence and monastery Montreal. Exotic Arabic style was chosen - Wilhelm especially appreciated the eastern way of life. According to his idea, Cuba was different from all known European castles and become an oasis of calm and relaxation. That is why it was erected in the hunting park on an island in the midst of an artificially created pond. In the 13th century, a magnificent palace and its interiors are so impressed the great Italian writer Boccaccio, he made them the scene of one of the stories of his immortal work - "Decameron".

When the Sicilian kingdom ceased to exist, Cuba over the decades changed owners and its purpose. In the late 16th - early 17th centuries, it housed a hospital, and then, under the Bourbons, the Palace took the cavalry regiment, which remained there until the 19th century. Unfortunately, the years of "wandering" hands were not lost on Cuba - its surrounding park was destroyed, and the on-site pond staged a parade with faceless barracks. Today, the palace belonging to the Government of the autonomous region of Sicily, is a museum of Arab art. Not far way, Palatine Chapel is located - is another monument to the Arab-Norman style in Sicily.

The name comes from Cuba's two-story cube-shaped structure. Its facades are decorated with false arches and lancet windows - typical elements of this style. From the inside you can see the stone carvings and Kufic inscriptions. But, alas, the internal decoration of the once magnificent palace to this day little is reached - interiors, roof and floor slabs were not preserved.

It is worth paying attention to Kubolu - a small pavilion, also built under William II the Good. His form, it looks like the main palace, but has a more modest size. Its characteristic elements are the deep red arches and hemispherical dome, reminiscent of the domes of churches of San Cataldo and San Giovanni degli Eremiti in Palermo. Kubola stands in the center of a small cozy garden - inside buildings undergoing restoration.