You'll head for Monreale, located on the southwestern slope of Monte Caputo on the western end of the island. Your first stop will be the Monreale Cathedral, built in 1174 and now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a spectacular combination of Norman, Arab, and Byzantine architecture and known for its very impressive gold mosaics from the 8th century. At the time, the mosaics were created for parishioners who could not read so that they could learn about the Catholic religion through elaborate illustrations.The cathedral's design marks the peak of Arab-Norman art. Its original architecture and unique structure make it an architectural masterpiece considered as one of the most important medieval churches in the world.
PLEASE NOTE
You'll head for Monreale, located on the southwestern slope of Monte Caputo on the western end of the island. Your first stop will be the Monreale Cathedral, built in 1174 and now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a spectacular combination of Norman, Arab, and Byzantine architecture and known for its very impressive gold mosaics from the 8th century. At the time, the mosaics were created for parishioners who could not read so that they could learn about the Catholic religion through elaborate illustrations.The cathedral's design marks the peak of Arab-Norman art. Its original architecture and unique structure make it an architectural masterpiece considered as one of the most important medieval churches in the world.
PLEASE NOTE