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Cathedral · Palermo, Sicília
Cattedrale di Palermo
The cathedral of Palermo, built beginning in 1185, mixes Norman, Catalan Gothic and Neoclassical styles. It houses tombs of kings and emperors and the silver reliquary of Santa Rosália.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cattedrale di Palermo
The Cattedrale di Palermo was begun in 1185 by Archbishop Gualtiero Offamilio, on a site that previously hosted a Christian basilica and, during the Arab period, a mosque. Over the centuries it acquired layers: the towers and side walls with interlaced arches from the Norman phase, the Catalan Gothic porch of the 15th century on the southern façade and the Neoclassical dome added at the end of the 18th century.
Inside, the space is sober, in contrast with the exterior. In the side nave are the porphyry tombs of kings and emperors of the Kingdom of Sicily, including Roger II, Henry VI, Constance of Hauteville and Frederick II. The Chapel of Santa Rosália, patron saint of the city, houses the 17th-century silver reliquary with the saint's relics, carried in procession through the streets during the Festino in July.
With a separate ticket you can see the treasury, the crypt and climb onto the roofs, from where you can view the historic centre, the domes and Monte Pellegrino. The cathedral is part of the Palermo Arab-Norman site along with the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The church stands on the Cassaro, the old main street now called Corso Vittorio Emanuele, between the Palazzo dei Normanni and the Quattro Canti. The garden in front of the façade is a good spot for photos of the ensemble.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes for the church; an additional hour if you visit the treasury, the crypt and the roofs.
Best time
In the morning, before the heat and the tour groups. The climb to the roofs is more worthwhile late in the afternoon, with lower light. Avoid mass times to wander around. In July, the Festino de Santa Rosália livens the area.
How to get there
It's on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, about a 10-minute walk from the Quattro Canti and 5 minutes from the Palazzo dei Normanni. From Palermo Centrale station it's about a 25-minute walk.
Tip
To enter, cover shoulders and knees. The climb to the roofs has narrow stairs and may close in rain or strong winds. Combine the visit with the Palazzo dei Normanni, on the same axis.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cattedrale di Palermo
Do I need to pay to enter the cathedral?
Entry to the church is free. The treasury, crypt, royal tombs and the roofs have separate tickets. Check the routes before you go.
Is it worth going up to the roofs?
For those who like a view, yes: you can see the domes of the centre, the sea and Monte Pellegrino. There are narrow stairs and access may be closed in bad weather.
Who is buried in the cathedral?
Kings and emperors of the Norman‑Swabian kingdom of Sicily, such as Rogério II, Henrique VI, Constança de Altavilla and Frederico II, in porphyry tombs.