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Church · Palermo, Sicília
Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti
12th-century Norman church, with five red domes of Arabic inspiration and a small cloister with a garden of orange trees and Mediterranean plants.
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 Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti
The Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti was built in the time of Roger II in the 12th century, next to a Benedictine monastery, on top of older structures. The five red domes over smooth stone walls recall Islamic architecture and have become one of Palermo's symbols.
The interior is austere, without mosaics, and is valued for the form of the space. The most pleasant part is the cloister, with small paired columns and a garden of orange trees, lemon trees, palms and rose bushes, from where the domes can be seen.
The church is part of the Arab‑Norman Palermo site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is a few minutes from the Palazzo dei Normanni, which makes it easy to combine the two visits.
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.
Best time
In the morning, when the light hits the domes and the garden is cooler.
How to get there
It is on the Via dei Benedettini, about a 5-minute walk from the Palazzo dei Normanni, descending via the Piazza della Vittoria and the Via dei Benedettini.
Tip
Combine it with the Palazzo dei Normanni during the same visit. Check the closing time, which is usually earlier on Sundays.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti
Does the church have mosaics?
No. The interior is simple; what you see are the red domes, the stone structure and the cloister with a garden.
Is it worth including if I've already seen the Cappella Palatina?
Yes, as a quick complement: it's 5 minutes from the palace and shows another side of Arab-Norman architecture.
How long does it take?
About 30 minutes, taking your time in the cloister.