Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Wonder of the World
Henry paid scant attention to his Sicilian kingdom, and died of malaria in 1197. He was
succeeded by his young heir Frederick (1194-1250), known as both Frederick I of Sicily
and Frederick II of Hohenstaufen.
Frederick was a keen intellectual with a penchant for political manoeuvring, but he was
also a totalitarian despot who fortified the eastern seaboard from Messina to Syracuse and
sacked rebellious Catania in 1232. Under his rule, Sicily became a centralised state playing
a key commercial and cultural role in European affairs, and Palermo gained a reputation as
the continent's most important city. In the latter years of his reign Frederick became known
as Stupor Mundi, 'Wonder of the World', in recognition of his successful rule.
When Frederick died in 1250, he was succeeded by his son Conrad IV of Germany
(1228-54), but the island was initially ruled by his younger and illegitimate son, Manfred
(1232-66). Conrad arrived in Sicily in 1252 to take control but died of malaria after only
two years. Manfred again took the reins, first as regent to Conrad's infant son Conradin and
then, after forging an alliance with the Saracens, in his own right in 1258.
Best Nor-
man Sites
Palazzo dei Normanni, Palermo
Cappella Palatina, Palermo
Cattedrale di Palermo, Palermo
Cattedrale di Monreale, Monreale
San Giovanni degli Eremiti,
Palermo
Duomo di Cefalù, Cefalù
Castello di Caccamo, Caccamo
Castello di Lombardia, Enna
