Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cattedrale di Monreale
( 091 640 44 03; Piazza del Duomo; admission to cathedral free, north transept
€2, terrace €2; 8.30am-12.45pm & 2.30-5pm Mon-Sat, 8-10am & 2.30-5pm Sun)
, 8km southwest of
Palermo, is considered the finest example of Norman architecture in Sicily, incorporating
Norman, Arab, Byzantine and classical elements. Inspired by a vision of the Virgin, it was
built by William II in an effort to outdo his grandfather Roger II, who was responsible for
the cathedral in Cefalù and the Cappella Palatina in Palermo. The interior, completed in
1184 and executed in shimmering mosaics, depicts 42 Old Testament stories. Outside the
cathedral, the
cloister
(adult €6, EU citizen 18-25yr €3, under 18 & over 65yr free; 9am-6.30pm Tue-Sat,
9am-1pm Sun & Mon)
is a tranquil courtyard with a tangible oriental feel. Surrounding the
perimeter, elegant Romanesque arches are supported by an exquisite array of slender
columns alternately decorated with mosaics. To reach Monreale take AMAT bus 389
(€1.30, 35 minutes, half-hourly) from Piazza Indipendenza in Palermo or AST's Monreale
bus (one way/return €1.80/2.80, 40 minutes, hourly) from in front of Palermo Centrale
train station.
The 8.7-sq-km island of
Ustica
was declared Italy's first marine reserve in 1986. The sur-
rounding waters are a playground of fish and coral, ideal for snorkelling, diving and un-
derwater photography. To enjoy Ustica's wild coastline and dazzling grottoes without the
crowds try visiting in June or September. There are numerous dive centres, hotels and res-
taurants on the island, as well as some nice hiking. To get here from Palermo, take the
or the faster hydrofoils (€23.55, 1½ hours) operated by both Siremar and
Ustica Lines
(
091 844 90 02;
www.usticalines.it
)
. For more details on Ustica, see Lonely Planet's
Sicily
guide.
