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Duomo di Monreale

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, 90046 Monreale, Sicily, Italy
0039 091 640 4413
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Ranked #1 of 1 attractions in Monreale
Type: Religious Sites
Owner description: The Cathedral of Monreale is the greatest monument of Norman Sicily. The monumental complex, consisting of the Basilica, the monastery and the Royal... more » Owner description: The Cathedral of Monreale is the greatest monument of Norman Sicily. The monumental complex, consisting of the Basilica, the monastery and the Royal Palace was built in the twelfth century. « less
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400 reviews from our community

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Morrison, Colorado
Top Contributor
79 reviews 79 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 NEW

The cathedral at Monreale is a fusion of Christian and Arab styles unlike anything you will see elsewhere. Somewhat removed from the city of Palermo (for historic reasons), it is well worth the effort to visit. Adjunct to visiting the cathedral are panoramic views of Palermo. If you are traveling by car, the narrow, winding roads in the city of... More

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Indianapolis, Indiana
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

Highlights include the gold mosaics lining the ceiling in the nave and the heavy Norman architecture. The hidden gem though, is the intricately designed cloisters. Climb to the top of the cathedral and look down on the cloister to see a beautiful view. The village surrounding the duomo is nice as well.

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Beds England
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

Have seen many Duomo's and Cathedrals all over the world but this one takes 1st prize, dont miss it if ever you are in Sicily

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London England
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

Have visited the Cathedral in Istanbul, but this one is much better with all the mosaics in place courtyard is also very interesting, unfortunately didn't get time to go to the roof for the views

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London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2013 NEW

Monreale is breath-taking in an area full of great cathedrals, churches and oratorios. The opulence and detail of the mosaics are amazing, and I particularly loved the outside cloisters, with mosaic work on Arabic-styled arches around a fountain, which were peaceful and a photographer's dream! Admission to the south transept is an extra few euros but well worth it for... More

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London, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
91 reviews 91 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 44 cities Reviews in 44 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2013

Monreale is, of course, a masterpiece of mosaicists skills. The domes and walls glisten with the gold inlays and it is a fine example of Islamic pattern and form. I think by this stage of the trip I had seen too many cathedrals and was still stunned by Chiesa Il Gesu in Palermo to really appreciate it. Again we were... More

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Madrid, Spain
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

Monreale is obviously a masterpiece of Norman art and architecture, but unless you want to study the differences in technique or story cycles, I'd recommend just going to the Palatine Chapel in Palermo. The mosaics there are in better condition, and the intimate space and light make them easier to appreciate.

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Lisbon, Portugal
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
30 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2013

The Cathedral of Monreale is one of the greatest extant examples of Norman architecture in the world. It's not far from Palermo. The church is a national monument of Italy and one of the most important attractions of Sicily. DO NOT miss it!

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San Francisco, California, United States
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2013

No one should miss what 4850 lb of gold in over 68000 sq ft of mosaic look like if you come all the way to the north-eastern side of Sicily. Pay all the extra fees for access to roof top, cloisters, and Capella Roano. Rent an audio guide while you are at it. Be prepared to spend at least 2.5-3... More

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Honolulu
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2013

Somehow, our maps weren't very good at locating the Duomo in Monreale, but we did find it eventually. Didn't help that the Tourist Office in Palermo gave us incorrect bus info, either. Still, the Duomo is an impressive building. It (as do many other sites) needs more explanations of what is what and why. Glad we went, though.

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