If you are a real art and culture lover you cannot miss Monreale. Monreale, 13 km south of Palermo, is medieval hill-top town rising 300metres above island’s capital Palermo. This so called suburb of Palermo is a proud owner of a truly enchanting jewel of Sicily The Cathedral of Monreale and its Cloister. Thousands of tourist are drawn every year to this unique world class sight and an absolute art retreat.

How to get to Monreale

It’s predictably very popular place, so getting there by car is not recommended as the parking places are literally full at all times. Luckily there is AST bus, that goes regularly from Piazza Indipendenza in Palermo and within 40 minutes you will experience love for the first sight with Monreale Dome.

Things to do and see in Monreale

The Cathedral of Monreale, built by Norman King Wiliam Iif, from outside quite doesn’t reflect what a treasure it is inside. The north side facade is framed with 3 arches and from each side two robust bell towers dominate the facade with the one on the left not completely finished. The bronze door where signed and done by Bonanno da Pisa ( famous Italian painter)The entrance to the cathedral is right in front of the fountain at Pizza Vittorio Emmanuelle. Once you stepped in through the bronze door by Barisano da Trani ( famous Italian sculptor) )you will be overwhelmed with glare bouncing of the golden walls throughout the interior. The nave , the aisles, the choir are completely covered with mosaic- a small pictures made up of tiny coloured cubes of stone adorning the whole interior. The most magnificent mosaic is the mosaic of Christ Pantocrator gleaming in the central apse. Mosaics of St. Peter and St. Paul are illustrated in the side apse and episodes from The Old and The New Testament are visible in the Nave. The cathedral is a place where the Norman, Arab and Byzantine cultures collide and is at its best. Look up in the cathedral and admire the wooden ceiling that has undergone fantastic restoration and renovation after a fire in 1811.

The south side of the cathedral belongs to the Norman architectural gem that dates to 12th century, the Cloister, Chiostro dei Benedettini. 228 twin marble columns, with different painting ( no two columns are the same) are the sublime example of Arab influence.

There are also small lovely public gardens and great views of Oreto Valley ( Conca d'Oro) with Palermo in the distance can be relished from Belvedere.

The cathedral is truly breathtaking and has an incredible atmosphere. It is one od those things you have to see while holidaying in Sicily.

Accomodation and restaurants in Monreale

To finish off your day dine in one of Monreale restaurants that offer hearty Sicilian dishes. There is a lovely variety of accomodation in Monreale, with friendly B&B's and welcoming hotels.

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