PALAZZO DEI NORMANNI AND PALATINE CHAPEL, Ruggero Hall

The small Ruggero Hall is the most beautiful in the palace, and maintains its magnificent Norman decoration.

The lower part of the wall is covered in marble slabs with mosaic inserts.

The ceiling mosaics are from the same period as those in the Palatine Chapel, but the style is different. Despite the evident Persian influences and the numerous arabesques, they are believed to be the work of Western craftsmen, and feature highly stylized trees and animals, fantastic creatures and hunting scenes, on a gold background.

The peacocks represent eternal life, and when shown drinking from a vase, symbolize Christian salvation. The lions represent power and regality, while the leopards are reminiscent of the exotic animals the kings used to keep as a sign of prestige. The hunting scenes are a celebration of the main leisure activity of the noble classes. Overall, a fairytale atmosphere is created. 

The mosaics on the vault, featuring real and imaginary animals, set into a complex decorative pattern, date back to the time of Frederick II, whose emblem was the imperial eagle you see depicted in the center. Taken as a whole, they are reminiscent of a fine oriental fabric.   ...