Cattedrale di Monreale

The Cattedrale di Monreale is a 12th-century cathedral located in Monreale, Sicily, near Palermo, renowned for its extensive medieval mosaics. It is one of the most important examples of Norman architecture in Sicily.

The interior is dominated by an extensive mosaic program that covers the nave, transept and apse, illustrating biblical narratives in gold and colored glass tesserae; visitors frequently spend time on the nave and choir to view these panels. Adjacent to the cathedral is a large cloister with dozens of paired arches and individually carved columns and capitals that are a major highlight for art and architecture visitors.

Commissioned by King William II of Sicily in the late 12th century, the cathedral was built as a royal foundation combining Byzantine, Islamic and Latin artistic influences typical of Norman Sicily. Over the centuries it has remained an active cathedral and preserved much of its original medieval decoration and layout.

The cathedral sits on a hill overlooking the Conca d’Oro near the town of Monreale, a few kilometers southwest of Palermo, and is accessible by road from the city and surrounding towns.

• Norman foundation: The cathedral was founded in the late 12th century by the Norman King William II of Sicily and retains extensive Byzantine-style mosaics.
• Distinctive cloister: The adjoining cloister is noted for its 228 sculpted columns and richly carved capitals, a major draw for visitors.

What to See #

• Cloister: The cloister dates from the 12th century and contains 228 carved columns with individual capitals and arches that form a quadrangular ambulatory used for meditation and processions.
• Mosaic cycle: The mosaic cycle covers large areas of the interior walls and apse and was produced in the late 12th century, depicting biblical scenes in gold and glass tesserae.