About
The Cathedral of Monreale stands in the town of Monreale, in Sicily, a short distance from Palermo. It is also known as the Duomo di Monreale and as Santa Maria Nuova di Monreale. Its address is Piazza Guglielmo II, 1, 90046 Monreale PA, Italy, and the cathedral can be reached by telephone on +39 091 640 4403.
What to expect
This is a Norman cathedral built in the 12th century. Its interior is the main draw. The walls are covered with Byzantine mosaics across more than 6,000 square meters, so the visit is largely about looking up and around at the glittering surfaces and the scenes they depict. Visitors interested in medieval art and architecture will find a great deal to study here.
Why it is part of a wider story
The cathedral forms part of the UNESCO Arab-Norman Palermo World Heritage Site, which groups several buildings in and around Palermo that reflect the mixed Arab, Norman and Byzantine influences of medieval Sicily. Seeing Monreale alongside other sites in that group gives a fuller picture of the island's history.
Planning your visit
- Monreale is a small hill town, so the cathedral is best combined with a walk through the surrounding streets.
- Because the town sits close to Palermo, many visitors make it a half-day outing from the city.
- Check the contact number above before you travel for current visiting information.
For anyone drawn to mosaics and Sicily's layered past, the Cathedral of Monreale is a rewarding place to spend an hour or more.