EXPERIENCES

The Cathedral of Palermo is one of the most important architectural monuments in Sicily and a treasure of the Norman architecture in Sicily. IThe religious history is incredible as it was built in 1184 by the Normans as a re-converted Christian church on the site of a Muslim Mosque that was previously built over a Christian basilica. The Cathedral is truly a must see when visiting the idyllic city of Palermo!

The cathedral was built to surpass in beauty the Cathedral of Monreale. What we see today is the result of a culmination of styles over the centuries from Gothic to Medieval, Arabic to Neoclassical. There is a passage from the Koran that is still engraved on one of the columns.

The impressive exterior builds up high expectations for the interior which is just as lovely but differs as it is not covered in gold. Explore the diversity of the art inside for what it is and you will be assured a pleasant visit.

The Church itself is free to enter to visit while there are other parts of the Cathedral that can only be visited with a ticket. For example the medieval tombs under the cathedral or the roof of the Cathedral which offers and amazing view of Palermo, the surrounding area and the sea.