Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
artistry. This tranquil courtyard is an ode to Orientalism, with elegant Romanesque arches
supported by an array of slender columns alternately decorated with shimmering mosaic
patterns. Each capital is different, and taken together they represent a unique sculptural re-
cord of medieval Sicily. The capital of the 19th column on the west aisle depicts William
II offering the cathedral to the Madonna.
To reach Monreale, take AMAT bus 389 (€1.30, 30 to 40 minutes, every 25 to 60
minutes) from Piazza Indipendenza in Palermo. The bus will drop you off outside the
cathedral in Piazza Duomo. Alternatively, you can catch an AST bus for Monreale from in
front of the Palermo Centrale train station (one way/return €1.80/2.80, 40 minutes,
roughly hourly from 6.25am to 7.45pm). Note that at the time of research service on
AMAT's bus 389 was temporarily disrupted - enquire locally to see if normal service has
resumed.
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Solunto
About 20km east of Palermo are the remains of the Hellenistic Roman town of
Solunto
(
091 90 45 57; adult €2, EU citizen 18-25yr €1, EU citizen under 18 or 65+ free; 9am-5.30pm Tue-Sat, 9am-1pm
Sun)
, founded in the 4th century BC on the site of an earlier Phoenician settlement. Al-
though the ancient city is only partially excavated and the ruins less impressive than oth-
ers you'll see around Sicily, the setting on the slopes of Monte Catalfano is beautiful, with
spectacular sea views. Wander along the Roman
decumanus
(main street), and take de-
tours up the steep, paved side streets to explore the ruined houses, some of which still
sport remnants of original mosaic floors.
To get there, take the train from Palermo to the Santa Flavia-Solunto-Porticello stop
(€2.25, 20 minutes, hourly). Turn right as you leave the train station, then right again to
cross the tracks, following the main road (Corso Filangeri) towards the sea. After about
200m, you'll see a signposted turn-off to your left. From there, the ancient city is a
30-minute steep uphill walk.
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Ustica
POP 1291
