Cattedrale di Monreale

While the interior of Monreale Cathedral is a riot of gold and light, its exterior and the adjoining cloister offer a different, yet equally profound, scholarly narrative of the Norman presence in Sicily. Built in the 12th…

To truly appreciate the architectural synthesis of Monreale, one must walk around to the back of the cathedral to view the exterior of the absides. This is widely considered one of the most beautiful parts of the building. …

The heart of the monastic life was the cloister, and the one here at Monreale is arguably the most beautiful symbol of Norman art in the West. As you walk through its arcades, you are surrounded by a forest of double columns,…

In a corner of the cloister, you will find a smaller, more intimate space featuring a very unique fountain. This fountain has a tall, carved stem topped with a globe, from which water flows out of lion heads into a circular basin. …

Your visit to Monreale should also include the Diocesan Museum, located within the historic Archbishop's Palace. Access to this area is often included in the expanded 12th-century ticket. …

The town of Monreale itself, with its 40,000 inhabitants, grew up entirely around the cathedral complex. It is a neat, pretty place, often seen as a quieter alternative to the bustling city of Palermo below. …

As you return to the main facade, take a moment to examine the south tower and the prominent clock that marks the time for the town. The towers are quintessential elements of the 'church-fortress' style, emphasizing the military…

Our exploration of the exterior and cloister of Monreale brings us to a final appreciation of the Norman legacy in Sicily. This site is not just a collection of stone and mosaics, but a living record of a time when the…