San Giovanni degli Eremiti

It is not sure if the domes were always red, but an architect who restored the church found pieces of red plaster on them and decided to paint all domes in red.

The 12th-century church was probably built on a former mosque - one of the 200 mosques that once were in Palermo. It has the classical Latin Cross plan with a nave and two aisles and three apses and a stripped-clean interior. Each of the square spans is surmounted by a dome. 

The cloister is enriched by a luxurious garden - the best preserved part of the ancient monastery. It has beautifully decorated small double columns. It is a wonderful example for the Emirs' passion for fountains, gardens and lush green. This is a great place to relax from sightseeing strolls - you will be surrounded by citrus and palm trees, jasmine and oleander.

Entrance fee: € 6