norman cathedral of monreale

if you go to Palermo you must go here, to appreciate one of the eldest cathedrals in Sicily. The decoration, work, details and architecture are amazing.

This is a well-worn destination, close to Palermo and widely documented and discussed. Yet, if you set aside some quality time (go slowly, dwell in the various alcoves), the effort to visit is well worth it. Hopefully, you will have an appreciative guide and enough time to do more than a photo op.

Magnificent late Norman architecture built by William II is a mosaic masterpiece. The imagery depicted blends the artistic influences of Greek, Roman, Catholic and Arabic reflecting the multi-layered history of Sicily. While very large the cathedral attracts large crowds and can get very busy. It's best to plan your visit for off-peak hours.Tip: The cathedral closes over the lunch hour and seems to be busiest right after that so it's best to plan on a morning visit to avoid the largest crowds.

We took the public 389 bus from Palermo to Monreale. The bus was packed and stopped constantly but the views by the window as we drove up the hill were beautiful. The cathedral was amazing - impressive architecture and murals made of gold tiles telling stories from the Old Testament. Grabbed lunch and then headed back. Cute little town.

What a stunning cathedral! The mosaics are breathtaking. They are Byzantine mosaics, and depict stories from the bible in beautiful shiny gold detail. Some of the mosaic areas were made by Arabs which is apparently similar to the mosaics displayed in mosques. Beautiful Norman style art. Awesome roof with gold detail. Due to no entrance fee I would definitely recommend a visit.

The Cathedral of Monreale is part of a beautiful complex built by William II in the second half of the 12th century. It is a beautiful example of purely Norman architecture. The interior is absolutely beautiful with gold mosaics covering most of the surface. Looking down the nave, large marble columns from Roman sources divide the basilica into three aisles. At the end, the large mosaic of Christ Pantocrator casts a stern view on the observer. The cloisters are also beautiful - a reminder of the expansive gardens that once surrounded the complex. Budget most of a day here if you are able.

I saw this on my last day in Italy after 2.5 weeks of looking at churches. It was quite the show stopper and worth the wait for the bus to Monreale. Spectacular inside. Most churches don't hold my attention very long as they all start to look the same. I stayed in this one over an hour and I will never forget it.

Do not miss this.It is stunning with ctaftmanship works of art.I have been twice and still find it breathtaking.If there are a few of you,it,s worth paying for a taxi to get there and back. Make the effort.

It's free to get in the main Cathedral (which is still a working cathedral), but you pay extra (usually 2.5 Euros for each of the three extra bits).Two reasons to visit in the late morning:The better the natural light, the easier it is to see the artwork on the very high ceilings (very small Norman windows, and it was overcast in the afternoon when I visited - afternoon visits start at 3.30pm when the light is already fading).I paid 2.50 Euros a pop to visit the Roof, and the Treasury area - there's a third area you can pay to visit too (no idea what it is) but it is shut in the afternoons!It's just all over STUNNING. My suggestion is that you look it up on the internet - and then be prepared to be bowled over by how much better it is in reality.Roof - the views from the roof are exceptional - BUT there are reasons why you might not want to go up to the roof:Vertigo - oh yes, really really high, and not the most solid-looking barriers (they are safe, just look a little flimsy....).Claustrophobia - the higher you get, the narrower the passages and walkways become.You are TALL and can't walk bent over - the higher you get the lower the ceilings become (my assumption is that the passageways were originally archers' walkways and they were short in those days).Poor mobility / stability - the higher you get, the steeper and narrower the steps, and as you get very near the top of the roof they are very slippy too (I had to come down one flight on my bottom a step at a time as I was worried about losing my step) - in the rain these stone steps become lethally slippy (it started raining heavily just as I got to the top of the roof.....).Other: the view of Palermo as you drive up the hill to Monreale is stunning too - Sicily is an exceptionally beautiful island......

No words can adequately describe this place - you've just got to see it. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to get to. City buses to & from Piazza Indipendenza run every hour or so - €1.40 each way.

This is as beautiful as you can see in all the pictures. In person you see even more. It is obvious that there are many cultural influences in the decorations of the Cathedral as is in Palermo itself. It so very well kept. The mosaics are so impressive and unlike any I have seen.You must take some time to visit here when in Palermo.

Because we stayed in Monreale, we were not restricted to tourist bus times and could enter the glittering, vast interior at any time the cathedral was open. Luckily there were few other tourists. Could sit and walk around as long as we wished. Photography permitted. Read the history before you go, then admire the magnificent mosaic work. Monreale Cathedral is an art-historically significant building that should not be missed.

There are no words to describe such a unique place. A Norman-Arab-Byzantine church perfectly kept with all the mosaic decoration perfectly kept and shining. You won't see something so unique and perfectly kept anywhere else in the world. Not even in Istanbul where all the remaining mosaics are never in good shape. Art lovers from all the world, go to Monreale and enjoy.

this church is amazing and has to be visited. But I am very disappointed with the opening times (they close more than 2 hrs for lunchtime with a huge quantity of tourists waiting outside). The nextdoor cloister of the Benedettini is beautiful but 6eur price to get in is too much when they did not even have a brochure o simply professional staff: the ladies at the ticket office treat tourists so badly and they should be not working there at all. The worst part is the bus schedule operated by Palermo city council transport company: every 1h30min and packed !!! Shame on Italy on how tourists are treated

I entered in disbelief that these mosaic tiles were so tiny and all of the pictures high up on the walls were not paintings but mosaics. The sacristy is especially impressive. There's a museum on the side for a small fee, which was worth it, if only for a closer look of the sacristy ceiling. Highly recommended. Then go into town and have a panelle at Benny.