Duomo di Monreale
Sicily
We all have to thank forever King William II 'The Good' for this important tribute of the Norman Kings in Sicily, one of the greatest examples of Norman-Arabian architecture in the whole world: the Cathedral of Monreale.
An enormous mosaic of Christ the Pantocrator embraces the cathedral visitors with outstretched arms. His severe gaze gives the impression that he looks straight into your eyes. The whole interior surface of the church is covered with dazzling glistening mosaic pictures in bright colours on a gold ground, showing biblical and every day life scenes.
The neighbouring Cloister is a another masterpiece of Norman- Arabian art and boasts 216 intricately carved double columns, every other one decorated in a unique glass mosaic pattern, and highly elaborate capitals carved by Byzantine and Islamic artists.
During celebrations visits are not allowed.
Group visits only on reservation and specifying the exact number of group members.
