Not far from Palermo, Monreale occupies a commanding position looking out over the vast expanses of citrus groves of the Conca d'Oro. Of course, Monreale is known, above all, for its Cathedral. This magnificent work of architecture, dating back to the Norman period, is famous throughout the world. And it was around the Benedictine monastery which adjoins the cathedral that the town of Monreale was built.
Displaying a unique mixture of Norman, Byzantine and Arabian styles, the cathedral, construction of which began in 1172, by will of Guglielmo II of Altavilla, boasts an ornate façade featuring a trefoil portico, two fortified lateral towers, and two magnificent bronze doors.
The interiors of this Sicilian house of worship are just as splendid, containing an immense wealth of shimmering gold mosaics. Not to be missed: the ancient Byzantine convent annexed to the cathedral, the cloisters of which feature some 228 exquisitely decorated columns.
Sicily other destinations
- Acireale
- Acitrezza
- Agrigento
- Alcamo
- Caltanissetta
- Catania
- Cefalù
- Egadi Islands
- Enna
- Eolie Islands
- Gela
- Giardini Naxos
- Lampedusa
- Lipari
- Marsala
- Mazara del Vallo
- Messina
- Milazzo
- Monreale
- Nicosia
- Noto
- Palermo
- Pantelleria
- Pelagie Islands
- Piazza Armerina
- Ragusa
- Sciacca
- Siracusa
- Taormina
- Trapani
- Valle dell'Etna
- Valley of the Temples
Monreale Italy Hotel Collection.
Our unique collection of Italian boutique hotels, small luxury hotels and resorts.
Villa Igiea Hilton Palermo
Villa Igiea Hilton - Palermo Hotels | Palermo's Villa Igiea Hilton is considered one of the most attractive hotels in the world.
Salita Belmonte, 43 - Palermo (Palermo)
Centrale Palace Hotel Palermo
Centrale Palace Hotel - Palermo Hotels | The Centrale Palace Hotel stands in the heart of the historic part of Palermo.
Via Vittorio Emanuele, 324 - Palermo (Palermo)
Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes Palermo
Grand Hotel Et Des Palmes - Palermo Hotels | The hotel has seen several important moments in the history of Sicily.
Via Roma, 398 - Palermo (Palermo)
Hotel La Battigia Alcamo
Hotel La Battigia - Alcamo Hotels | With a dream location on the golden beach of Alcamo, La Battigia is the perfect choice for an unforgettable Sicilian...
Lungomare Alcamo Marina - Alcamo (Trapani)
Hotel Principe di Villafranca Palermo
Hotel Principe di Villafranca - Palermo Hotels | If you'd like a hotel with a homey quality, there is no finer address than this one.
Via Turrisi Colonna 4 - Palermo (Palermo)
Massimo Hotel Plaza Palermo
Massimo Hotel Plaza - Palermo Hotels | Part of the architectural restoration and urban renewal of Palermo, the hotel has been refurbished and opened once...
Via Maqueda, 437 - Palermo (Palermo)
Casa Ruffino Balestrate
Casa Ruffino - Balestrate Hotels | Casa Ruffino is a charming bed & breakfast situated in Balestrate, a much loved Sicilian sea resort, between...
Via Madonna del Ponte, 49 - Balestrate (Palermo)
Terre di Himera Termini Imerese
Terre di Himera - Termini Imerese Hotels | Rural tourism : a great new way to experience Sicily
Contrada Villaurea - Termini Imerese (Palermo)
