Cuba is an amazing example of Arabian – Norman style, former residence of the Sicilian kings in the province of Palermo. The Palace was built in the 12th century at the behest of king William II the Good, on his way to his official residence and monastery of Monreale. Exotic Arabic style was not chosen by chance – Wilhelm appreciated the Oriental way of life. According to his idea of the cube was supposed to differ from all known European castles and become a real oasis of tranquility and relaxation. That's why it was erected in hunting Park on the artificially created island in the middle of the pond. In the 13th century magnificent Palace and its interiors are so struck by the great Italian writer Boccaccio, that he made them the scene of one of the novels of his immortal works - "the Decameron".

When Sicilian Kingdom ceased to exist, Cuba for many decades has changed owners and its purpose. In the late 16th – early 17th centuries, it was occupied by the hospital, then, when the Bourbons, the Palace was occupied by a regiment of cavalry, which remained there until the 19th century. Unfortunately, the years of "wandering" on his hands took their toll on Cuba – the surrounding Park was destroyed, and at the pond of a square was built with faceless barracks. Today the Palace is owned by the government of the Autonomous region of Sicily, is the Museum of Arab art. Not far, incidentally, is the Palatine chapel is another monument of the Arab-Norman style of Sicily.

The name two-story cubes comes from the cubic form of the building. Its facades are decorated with false arches and Lancet Windows are typical elements of this style. The inner side you can see the stone carvings and Kufic inscriptions. But, alas, the interior of the once luxurious Palace until our days a little that came – the interiors, roof and floor slabs were not preserved.

You should pay attention to Kubala – a small pavilion, also built by William II the Good. By its form it is similar to the main Palace, however, has a more modest size. Its characteristic elements are deep arches and red hemispherical dome, reminiscent of the domes of the churches of San Cataldo and San Giovanni degli eremiti in Palermo. Cupola stands in the center of a cozy little garden inside the building undergoing restoration.