Palermo Cathedral

Construction began in 1184 by order of the city's archbishop, Walter of the Mill (Gualtiero Offamiglio), an Englishman who worked as a tutor to King William II. Walter held great power and had a lot of money, but the construction of the magnificent cathedral in Monreale made him feel his power in Sicily dwindling. Therefore, he requested the construction of an equally magnificent cathedral in Palermo. The church was built on the site of a 9th century mosque (built on the site of an old chapel). A detail from the mosque's original decoration can be seen on the south porch, where there is a pillar inscribed with a passage of the Koran. The grandeur and magnificence of the church became a statement of the power struggle between the Church and the throne that occurred at the time. However, the potentially dangerous situation did not arise after the death of archbishop Walter (in 1191), leaving him unseen and proud of the completed Building.

Since then, the church has undergone many alterations, sometimes with great success (as in Antonio Gambara's 15th-century three-door arch which took 200 years to complete and has become a masterpiece of Catalan Gothic architecture). ). Thankfully, Fuga's restoration work has not extended beyond the east, which is still decorated with the odd interlacing designs of Walter's original cathedral. The southwest facade was built in the 13th and 14th centuries, and is a beautiful example of local craftsmanship in the Gothic style. The entrance of the church passes through the three magnificent archways of the Gambara, through the gardens and a statue of Santa Rosalia, one of the patron saints of Palermo. A colored intaria adorned the arches depicts the tree of life in an intricate Islamic-style geometric structure of 12 circles showing fruit, people and all kinds of animals. It is said to have been built in 1296.

To the left as you enter the church, is a monumental area containing several Norman royal tombs, containing the remains of two of Sicily's greatest rulers: Roger II (rear left) and Frederick II of Hohenstaufen (front left), as well as Henry VI and William II. The cathedral's treasures contain a small collection of Norman religious and jewelry. Most extraordinary is the wonderful 13th-century Constance of Aragon crown (wife of Frederick II), crafted by local craftsmen, rich in pure gold and encrusted with precious stones. More bizarre treasures include Santa Rosalia's tooth and ashes, kept here in silver relics.

The church in the center of Palermo - not to be confused with the Cathedral of Monreale is an ideal attraction for visitors during their stay in Sicily.

Business hours:

For parishioners: 07:00 to 19:00

For visitors: daily

November to February: 09:00 to 13:00

March to October: 09:00 to 17:30

Sundays and public holidays: 07:30 to 13:30 and 16:00 to 19:00

Chi allows sightseeing after the ceremony.

Fare:

The church is free to visit, but the tomb area and treasure display will have a fee.

Royal Tomb: 1.50 EUR

Treasures and galleries: 3.00 EUR

Visiting the roof of the church: 5.00 EUR

All-inclusive ticket: 8.00 EUR

Contact:

Phone: +39 91 33 43 73

E-mail: cattedrale.pa@neomedia.it