A visit to Monreale, a town a few kilometers from Palermo, renowned for the large Arab and Norman monumental complex consisting of the Cathedral and the Benedictine Monastery, structured around the magnificent Cloister.

We will visit the Cathedral whose interior is characterized by a vast mosaic apparatus in gold and precious stones of 6340 square metres which frames Christ Pantocrator, an immense hieratic image in the apse basin. The splendid floors, rich in porphyry and precious stone inserts, are matched by the magnificent wooden ceiling of clear Islamic inspiration. The exterior of the church features imposing apses, decorated with blind arches and lava stone inserts and a magnificent cloister characterized by paired columns and late Romanesque capitals decorated with sacred and profane scenes. Monreale represents the swansong of the Norman dynasty now at its end. A unique complex in Sicily, composed of a cathedral, a monastery and a royal palace, the result of William II‘s decision to move his center of power from Palermo to a secluded area, in an elevated position from which to dominate the city. Center of temporal and religious power, Monreale fuses for the last time the architectural styles of Islam with the decorative ones of Byzantine mosaics to exalt the ideology of a monarchy that definitively and decisively claims its Latin creed as the only plausible one in the kingdom . The shining mosaics tell the story of the church in over one hundred scenes, from Genesis to the New Testament and to the incarnate Christ, visually indicating to the faithful what they could not have read in books. In the cloister, once reserved only for monks, the 228 twin columns support the magnificent capitals with sacred and profane themes, with clear references to the European Romanesque bestiary.

Tour Details

• Meeting in Piazza Guglielmo II, in front of the façade of the Cathedral
• Duration: approximately 2 hours, with visit to the Cathedral and the Cloister (€10.00). 

Entrance fees: not included

Highlights Tour

Unesco sites
Mosaics
Arab-Normand route

• Location | Meeting point 15 minutes prior in front of Massimo Opera House 
• Time |  Approximately 3 hours – 2 km
• Min. Guests to start | 5 Adults
• Languages | English – French – Spanish – Italian

WHAT TO EXPECT

Embark on a captivating walking tour through the historic center of Palermo, where art, culture, and everyday life beautifully intertwine. Begin your journey at the iconic Teatro Massimo, the largest opera houses of Italy, and dive into the vibrant heart of this ancient city.

Our adventure will continue through the lively Capo Market, a legacy of a distant Islamic past, where the aroma of fresh seasonal products will let us feel the beating heart of the ancient city. We will then head to the magnificent Palermo Cathedral, an extraordinary example of the rich UNESCO heritage of Sicily’s capital. We will also discover the city’s appearance during the long Spanish domination with the exuberant baroque style of the polychrome marbles in the Saint Catherine of Alexandria Church. A few steps away, Piazza Bellini will offer us a glimpse of the Arab-Norman past, with the churches of San Cataldo and the Martorana.

Nearby, we will then reach Piazza Pretoria with its fascinating Fountain of Shame, a Renaissance masterpiece full of secrets to be discovered. At the baroque square of Quattro Canti (four corners), the crossroads of Palermo’s historic quarters, we will end our journey in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Founded in the 8th century BC, Palermo boasts over two millennia of history and a cultural layering resulting from the succession of numerous civilizations that have made their home here. These civilizations have left an indelible mark on the character of the people of Palermo and unique monuments declared a UNESCO site in 2015.

We look forward to welcoming you for a complete immersion in the historic center, discovering the colors, scents, and sounds that make Palermo unique.

You’ll feel inspired and ready to continue exploring Palermo on your own.

• If the minimum number of guests is not reached the tour will be cancelled and refunded 
• Do you want a private tour for 1-4 people? Let’s contact us!

Tour highlights

• Tradition and markets
• UNESCO Sites (exteriors)
• Teatro Massimo (outside)
• Cathedral (inside)
• Churc Saint Catherine of Alexandria (inside)
• Churches of Martorana (inside) and San Cataldo (outside)
• Baroque
• Arab-Norman