Cathedral of Monreale

Cathedral Monreale, Sicily, Italy

What to expect

The Cathedral of Monreale is a stunning example of Norman architecture, built in the 12th century by William II of Sicily. The cathedral features a beautiful façade, a vast interior with a basilican layout, and a magnificent cloister. The interior walls are almost entirely covered with golden mosaics, depicting scenes from the Old Testament, the life of Jesus, and the life of the Apostles. The cloister, which dates back to the time of William II, is a square measuring 47 x 47 m, with 228 paired columns, all lavishly decorated and with capitals inlaid with plant, animal, and fantastical motifs. The cathedral is a great place to visit with family and friends, offering a unique and awe-inspiring experience

Plan your family visit to the Cathedral of Monreale with these blog insights 👇

family travel blog favicon

PALERMO with family, Palermo with children (Sicily)

PALERMO with family, Palermo with children (Sicily)
This family's experience:

Activities: We were dazzled by the incredible Byzantine mosaics of the churches. It's a bit out of the way, but this marvel is worth the effort. We tried to go around noon for more light inside and even used binoculars. A map for €1 made it easier to find all the stories

Highlights: The mosaics, depicting the entire New Testament on a gold background, were stunning. We loved how the light hit them, making them even more impressive ✨