Palermo Cathedral
Explore the grand Arab-Norman cathedral in the heart of Palermo
The cahtedral is a clash of architectural styles | Majonit / Shutterstock
The contrast between the shadowy lanes of Palermo’s ancient main street, the Cassaro, and the city’s gigantic cathedral is quite something for first time viewers. The huge Palermo Cathedral, part mosque, part Norman stronghold, is the anchor of the nine-site UNESCO World Heritage site that includes Arab-Norman places of worship across Sicily, including in Cefalù and Monreale.
Construction on Cattedrale di Palermo began under English-born Archbishop Walter of the Mill, using a Byzantine shell that Sicilian Arabs had converted into a mosque. The fingerprints of Sicily’s many dynasties can still be seen from top to bottom, including early medieval stonework, Kufi scripture engraved into a column, a Catalan-Gothic portico and a neoclassical dome added in 1801. You can tick off multiple eras just standing in one spot.
The façade tells a slightly different tale, with the swagger of the 19th century a stark contrast to the simplicity of the Normans and Arabs. However, the interior of the cathedral remains cool and calm, and is the final resting place for some serious European royalty. The porphyry tombs of Roger II, Henry VI and Frederick II all stand to the right of the cathedral.
Look out for the delicate crown of Constance of Aragon, bedecked with tiny pearls and the centrepiece of the cathedral's impressive treasury. Time your visit at noon to see the sunlight strike a pinhole in the cupola, revealing a meridian line on the marble floor that acts as an astronomical clock – it’s easy to miss.
You’re welcome to visit the cathedral of Palermo free of charge, but upgrading to the €13 Monumental Complex ticket is worthwhile. This allows access to the extensive crypt, the treasury, royal tombs and the rooftop walkway, offering another viewing angle of the arches and dome. The cathedral opens from 09.30 - 19:00 most days, but keep an eye out for closures for specific services or religious holidays.
Before the grand doors open, grab an espresso from Caffè del Kassaro at Corso Vittorio Emanuele 390 – the almond-orange granita is also a must.
Related
