A few kilometers from Palermo, stands the medieval village of Monreale with the beautiful cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria la Nuova, built in the Norman era in 1174, now part of the UNESCO heritage. The cathedral is world famous for the mosaic decoration of about 6240 meters which is to be considered the largest mosaic decoration in Italy and the second in the world after Santa Sofia in Istanbul.
ITINERARY
The guided tour in Monreale will take you to discover the splendid golden cathedral, covered inside with magnificent Byzantine mosaics, dating back to the period of Norman King William II, known as the Malo. This construction is a clear example of the fusion of Arab and Norman art.
In the company of an expert guide in art history, we will travel the history of the Old and New Testaments, and discover the technique used to create the mosaics of the cathedral. Magnificent is the mosaic decoration of Christ Pantocreator who dominates in the triumph of his gold background, in a space of over 13 meters by 7. We will discover the history of the building, the events of the Norman Kings William I and William II, both buried in the splendid cathedral of Monreale.
INFO AND DETAILS
- Monuments: Monreale cathedral
- Duration: about 2 hours
- Languages: Italian – English
- Days: All on request
- Best months: All year round
- Cost: 40 €p.p. ( minimo 2 pax )
- Cost includes: Licensed tour guide;
- Cost does not include: cathedral and cappella Roano tickets
- Info and reservations: palermoguidaturistica@gmail.com
- WhatsApp: +39 329 7263998
HOW TO GET :
Bus: from Piazza Indipendenza to Palermo bus line 389 to Monreale
Car: from Palermo take Corso Calatafimi to the exit of the city and take the SS 186 and then the SP 69 up to Monreale.
Transfer: transfer upon request.
