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Cathedral · Palermo, Sicília
Duomo di Monreale
The Norman cathedral of Monreale, 8 km from Palermo, begun in 1174 by Guilherme II, has about 6,400 m² of gold mosaics and a cloister with 228 double columns.
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 Duomo di Monreale
Monreale sits on a hillside above the Conca d'Oro, Palermo’s valley, about 8 kilometres from the centre. The cathedral was commissioned by the Norman king Guilherme II from 1174, together with a Benedictine monastery, and consecrated to Our Lady of the Assumption.
The interior is covered by some 6,400 square metres of gold-background mosaics, one of the largest ensembles in the world. The walls tell stories from the Old and New Testaments, and the apse is dominated by the Christ Pantocrator with outstretched arms. Near the altar there is a panel showing Guilherme II offering the church to the Virgin.
Next to it is the cloister of the former Benedictine monastery, with 228 double columns, many with mosaics and capitals carved with biblical scenes and period figures, and an Arabic-style fountain in one corner. With a separate ticket you can climb to the cathedral terraces for views over the Conca d'Oro and the sea.
The cathedral and cloister are part of the Palermo Arab-Norman site and the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale, a UNESCO World Heritage. The town has narrow streets and a viewpoint at the Belvedere, next to the cloister.
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
Two to three hours for the cathedral, cloister and terraces; half a day including the journey from Palermo.
Best time
Early in the morning, before the tour buses arrive. On Sunday mornings there are masses and visits are limited. Morning light highlights the façade and the cloister well.
How to get there
Urban buses depart from the Piazza Indipendenza, next to the Palazzo dei Normanni, and go up to Monreale in about 30 to 40 minutes. There are also intercity buses from the station. By car it's about 20 minutes, but Monreale's centre has narrow streets.
Tip
Shoulders and knees covered. Cathedral, cloister, terraces and museum have different opening times and tickets: check before you go.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Duomo di Monreale
How to go from Palermo to Monreale?
By urban bus from Piazza Indipendenza, in about 30 to 40 minutes, or by taxi. Confirm the line and schedules before you leave.
How much time should you allow?
Two to three hours for the cathedral, cloister and terraces; half a day including the round trip.
Does the cloister have a separate entrance?
Yes. The cloister is managed separately and has its own ticket, as do the terraces and the diocesan museum.
Is it more worthwhile than the Cappella Palatina?
They are complementary. The Palatina is small and very detailed; Monreale impresses with the scale of its mosaics. If possible, see both.