Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tedrale di Monreale and Palermo's Cappella Palatina. Filling the central apse, a towering
figure of Christ All Powerful is the focal point of the elaborate Byzantine mosaics - Si-
cily's oldest and best preserved, predating those of Monreale by 20 or 30 years.
In his hand, a compassionate-looking Christ holds an open Bible bearing a Latin and
Greek inscription from John 8:12: 'I am the light of the world; he who follows me shall
not walk in darkness.' Other mosaic groups include the Virgin with Four Archangels
dressed as Byzantine officials.
The 16 interior columns with Roman capitals probably came from the Tempio di Diana
on La Rocca.
Legend tells us that the cathedral was built by Roger II in the 12th century to fulfil a
vow to God after his fleet was saved during a violent storm off Cefalù. In fact, it was more
likely the result of Roger's tempestuous relationship with the Palermitan archbishopric.
Eager to curb the growing influence of the papacy in Sicily (with whom the Palermo arch-
bishopric had close ties), Roger thought that building a mighty church so far from
Palermo would prove an effective reminder of his power across the island and pose a dis-
incentive to any potential usurpers. It's thus hardly surprising that the cathedral's architec-
ture is distinctly fortress-like.
You can enjoy the view of the cathedral's soaring twin pyramid towers, framed by La
Rocca, over a morning coffee or evening aperitif in the Piazza del Duomo.
DON'T MISS
LA ROCCA
9am-6.45pm May-Sep, 9am-4.45pm Oct-Apr) is the site where the Arabs built their citadel, occupying it until the
Norman conquest in 1061 forced them down from the mountain to the port below. An enormous staircase, the
Salita Saraceno
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
, winds up through three tiers of city walls, a 30-minute climb.
The windswept summit appears a suitable home for the race of giants that are said to have been Sicily's first in-
habitants. There are stunning views of the town and the sea below, and the ruined 4th-century
Tempio di Diana
24hr) provides a quiet and romantic getaway for young lovers.
Cloisters
(adult/senior/student €3/2/1; 10am-1pm & 3-6pm)
To the left of the main entrance are the cathed-
ral's cloisters, which feature ancient columns supporting graceful Arab-Norman arches.
CLOISTER
