Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Normans
The Normans collaborated with Byzantine and Arab architects and artisans, transforming
Greek temples into basilicas and building innovative Moorish structures. Norman cathed-
rals remain some of Sicily's most impressive sights - the Cattedrale di Monreale (
Click
here
)
, the Duomo (
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)
in Cefalù, and the Capella Palatina (
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) in Palermo
are this period's shining stars.
The Cattedrale di Monreale is considered the finest example of Norman architecture in
Sicily; it is covered in stunning mosaics in its entirety, and holds 200 slender columns, in-
corporating Norman, Arab, Byzantine and classical elements. Cefalù's Duomo is one of the
jewels in Sicily's Arab-Norman crown: its elaborate Byzantine mosaics are Sicily's oldest
and best preserved.
Palermo's Palazzo dei Normanni (
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) was originally constructed by the Arabs in
the 9th century. It was extended by the Normans (namely Roger II) in 1130, and the Cap-
pella Palatina (
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)
at its centre is Palermo's prime attraction. Swarming with fig-
ures in glittering, dreamy gold, the exquisite, highly sophisticated mosaics were mainly the
work of Byzantine Greek artisans brought to Palermo by Roger II in 1140 especially for
this project. Other splendid examples from this period are the churches of La Martorana
(
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)
and San Giovanni degli Eremiti (
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), both in Palermo.
Innovative Sicilian art slowly died out in the 13th century with the arrival of the Hohen-
staufen rulers.
Don't miss the recently reopened Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, Sicily's most important Ro-
man sight.
