“Anyone who comes to Palermo without seeing Monreale arrives on a donkey and leaves as an ass”
Old Sicilian Saying
Few places better exemplify the merging of cultures than the Monreale Cathedral, located in a hillside town about four miles south of Palermo in northern Sicily, Italy. Perched above groves of olive, orange, and almond trees, the cathedral offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
The Monreale Cathedral is one of the most remarkable examples of Norman architecture, and it still stands today. Constructed between 1170 and 1189, this massive church is a grand monument to faith and craftsmanship. It showcases the unique blend of Norman, Arab, and Byzantine influences that characterize the region’s history. The cathedral’s impressive size and intricate design make it a stunning representation of medieval architecture.
In 2015, the Monreale Cathedral was given recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and included in the “Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale” listing. This designation highlights its historical and cultural significance, celebrating its role in representing the confluence of different cultures and artistic traditions in Sicily.
The History of Monreale Cathedral
The spectacular Monreale Cathedral is a 12th-century masterpiece that embodies a rich cultural fusion of Norman ambition, Fatimid architectural style, and breathtaking Byzantine mosaics. Constructed under the Norman rule of King William II and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the cathedral reflects the diverse and harmonious society of Monreale at the time. This sophisticated and prosperous city was known for its ethnic and religious tolerance, where Muslims, Christians, and Jews lived together peacefully. They collaborated closely, contributing their unique cultural heritages to the creation of this monumental church. The Monreale Cathedral stands today as a living testament to the remarkable achievements that can arise from the merging of diverse cultures.
The Merging of Cultures
The Monreale Cathedral was constructed under the reign of William II, beginning in 1172. Before the Normans arrived, Sicily had been under the rule of the Fatimids from North Africa during the 9th and 10th centuries. The Normans greatly valued the skills and knowledge of the diverse populations they encountered, including many talented artists, artisans, engineers, mathematicians, and intellectuals. As a result, elements of Fatimid culture were seamlessly integrated into the cathedral’s design, most notably in the intricate geometric patterns of its marble floors.
The Byzantine influence is also prominently displayed in the breathtaking mosaics that cover the cathedral’s walls, adding a rich, colorful layer to its interior. Though built as a Catholic cathedral during the Norman Kingdom, the Monreale Cathedral is a unique synthesis of Norman, Fatimid, and Byzantine artistry, with each culture contributing distinct elements to create a unified masterpiece.
The True Wonder: The Mosaics at Monreale Cathedral
The mosaics in the Monreale Cathedral extend beyond the floors, covering nearly every wall and ceiling of this vast structure. Spanning about 6,400 square meters, these mosaics are made of gold, silver, enamel, glass, and marble. It is estimated that nearly 4,000 pounds of pure gold were used to create these stunning artworks. The mosaics form a dazzling tapestry of faith, meticulously depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Each image tells a story, like pages in a beautifully illustrated book. With this extensive collection, the Monreale Cathedral holds the distinction of having the most expansive array of mosaics in Italy.
When you look closely at the mosaics, they might appear to be paintings rather than the millions of tiny tiles that they are. Seeing them in person is truly mesmerizing. It’s astounding to think about how these intricate mosaics were from the 1100s without any modern technology or equipment. The craftsmanship and artistry on display will captivate you from the moment you step inside.
What to visit in the Cathedral
This remarkable cathedral has many beautiful elements: the lovely cloister with 208 columns, the mystical nave, the beautiful Sanctuary, the intricate façade, the roof, and the exterior. But the wonder of the Monreale Cathedral is the Choir, the main Church. High above the main altar is Christ’s image in an exquisite mosaic that rests just above the mosaic of his mother, Mary.
A brief description of each element to visit in the Monreale Cathedral
The Cloister
Monreale’s abbey of the Benedictine monk features 208 columns, each decorated with smooth, carved, or enhanced geometric compositions. They built Monreale simultaneously with the Church and the rest of the monastery. The abbey is extraordinary. This was where the monks prayed, contemplated, wrote, and dedicated themselves to nature. There are aspects of the abbey that not only speak of Arab and Byzantine artisans but also artists coming from elsewhere in Italy, as well as from Provence, France.
The Central Nave
The basilican nave is vast, with narrow aisles. On each side of the aisles are monolithic columns of grey oriental granite with one which is marble. Columns support eight pointed arches. The ceiling is open woodwork with a shallow pitch, richly decorated with color.
The magnificent mosaics in the main cathedral are a stunning explosion of color, forming a vast tapestry of faith. This extensive mosaic cycle vividly tells the stories of the Bible, encompassing both the Old and New Testaments. At the heart of it all is the figure of Christ, Pantocrator, a powerful symbol of creation and omnipotence. The moment you step inside, your eyes are immediately drawn to this central figure, whose gaze seems to follow you from every angle.
The mosaic cycle, one of the largest in Italy, portrays Jesus’s life, his death, and the stories of the apostles, with each scene meticulously captioned in Latin. At a time when literacy was rare, these images served not only as a visual narrative of biblical stories but also as a tool to convey messages, perhaps even to re-educate the populace and legitimize the new ruling power.
There are several tombs within the Cathedral, including the Cathedral’s founder, King William II, nicknamed The Good of Sicily, and many members of his family. Interestingly, the King of France, Louis IX, rests here because his brother was King Charles of Naples.
The Roano Chapel
The chapel is on the left, near the front of the church. You can easily miss it but don’t as it is remarkable. It contains the most extensive evidence of Norman mosaic art and is extraordinary and stunning.
Royal tombs in this space include Margaret of Navarre, Mother of Good King William II, and her sons Henry and Roger, who died prematurely. The St. Louis IX King of France, who died in the crusade of Tunis in 1270, has his viscera and heart buried here. The Crucifix Chapel is quite a masterpiece within the chapel due to its vibrant intermixed marble polychromy and exceptional inlaid decorations on the walls and floor.
The Terrace of the Monreale Cathedral
A staircase carved into the southern tower takes you to the top of the Cathedral. Along the way, you will come across exposed vestments and silvers from the cathedral.
The roof itself is beautiful, colorful, and fascinating. At the top, the walkway runs almost the entirety of the church. The views of the valley, town, and hillside are gorgeous. We were glad we took extra time to do this part of the visit.
The Diocesan Museum
The space housing the Diocesan Museum of Monreale, a Museum of Christian Art that represents the faith and devotion of the Diocese at that time, is lovely. It is within the Archbishop’s Palace.
The first floor has an access corridor that holds stone material from various parts of the Diocese and leads to the Benedictine abbey. The great hall has a magnificent tapestry depicting the famous theme of William’s Dream. Showcases on the walls hold side altars and other altarpieces. One room faces the inside of the Cathedral, offering impressive views of the mosaics. The second room has works from the sixteenth century. It provides a close-up view of the exterior decoration of the Cathedral’s apses.
The second floor has a hall displaying the wallpapers and furnishings commissioned by the Archbishops. The floor also overlooks the cloister, providing a different perspective from above.
You will find a separate anthropological section that brings together some devotional works.
The Exterior
Take the time to wander around the structures to examine the beautiful exterior facade.
How to get to Monreale Cathedral
The location is just a few miles from Palermo. There are four options to get to the Cathedral. We had a car, so we can’t speak to our personal experience for most options.
1. Taxis can be pricey, and they aren’t the friendliest at times.
2. Organized Tours include pick-up/drop-off with the cost usually. The best part is a professional guide accompanies you.
3. Are you driving yourself? This is what we did, and it was quick. There are parking garages nearby and some street parking.
4. Public Transportation. Some buses reach the area, but they are lengthy, complicated, and have limited hours. You can pick them up in the Piazza Indipendenza. The buses are the AST bus and the AMAT 389 bus. These can change, so verify before boarding.
Planning a visit to Italy? Check out our Italy Travel Guide
Entry and Opening Hours
*Plan for about two hours to visit if you take in all options.*
Opening Hours (please verify as times may change)
Cathedral, Diocesan Museum, Roano Chapel and Terraces
Monday – Saturday
9 am – 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm – 5 pm
Sun and Religious Holidays:
2:30 pm – 4:45 pm (due to services)
Cloister
Monday to Saturday
9.00 to 19.00
Sunday and Religious Holidays: 9 am to 1:30 pm
We arrived just as they were closing for lunch and were not informed when buying our entry ticket. Luckily, the town has many restaurants to try. They were closed from 12:45 to 2:30. On weekends, it is 10:00 am to 2:30 pm, or mass and lunch. Plan accordingly.
Cost
Cloister only € 6.00
Combo Ticket for Cloister, Cathedral , Museum, Terrace, and Chapel € 12.00
The Town of Monreale
Monreale is situated on the slopes of Monte Caputo, overlooking the lush valley of the Golden Shell. The area is abundant with orange, olive, and almond trees, which are grown in large quantities for export. The views from Monreale are truly picturesque. With a population of around 39,000, the town is also known for its delicious bread.
Nearby, you can visit the fortified convent of Castellaccio, built in the 12th century, and the Abbey Church of San Martino delle Scale, founded in the 6th century AD. If you take a stroll through the town, you’ll also find several other charming churches worth visiting.
Where to eat
The town had many restaurants, especially in the square at the Cathedral’s front. We found this funky, fantastic little place, Osteria Pepers, across from the museum entrance, which we adored. Address is Via Cappuccini Palermo, 6, 90046 Monreale.
The food options are a mix of Italian, Mediterranean, Sicilian, Southern Italian, and Brew Pub fare. The presentation was beautiful, and the place had a relaxed feel. It has a rock music theme, with some cool memorabilia from the rock era. Check out reviews on Trip Advisor .
Where to stay in the area
We stayed in Palermo, which was a quick drive. We recommend staying there. Here are two links to research hotels in the area; click on the site’s name.
It is important to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is Europe-based. Not all properties appear on both, so it is ideal to check both out. Our personal first choice is Booking.com . If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.
Final thoughts
Our visit to the Monreale Cathedral was intended to be a brief stop on our way to Segesta, but we ended up spending hours there. This cathedral truly deserves that much time and attention. There’s something uniquely dramatic about it that sets it apart from other works of art. The mosaics are both stunning and powerful, showcasing incredible craftsmanship. The history of the cathedral is equally fascinating, highlighting what can be achieved when multiple cultures come together. It’s definitely a place you don’t want to miss. As the saying goes, don’t make a fool of yourself by skipping this marvel!
Enjoy Cathedrals? Check out our article on Cologne Cathedral in Germany
Our Monreale Cathedral Photo Gallery
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