Palermo Cathedral

The Cathedral of Palermo

The Cathedral of Palermo is a unique monument, with the appearance of a fortress and an Arab-Norman style, heritage of the mixing of the cultures of Sicily. The Palermo audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this major sanctuary, setting of the royal tombs and jewel of the world heritage.

The Arab-Norman sanctuary and its royal tombs

Everywhere in Italy, you come across cathedrals, but that of Palermo has something unique. Located near the Via Matteo Bonello, it stands out by its appearance of a fortress and its Arab-Norman style, heritage of the extraordinary mixing of the cultures that shaped Sicily. Built at the end of the twelfth century on the site of a former basilica transformed into a mosque in the Arab era, the cathedral was constantly reworked and enlarged over the centuries, which explains the striking mixture of styles that you observe: Arab-Norman, Gothic, Catalan-Gothic, baroque and neoclassical elements superimpose in a fascinating ensemble. Its exterior, bristling with towers, crenellations, domes and ornate arches, is of a great richness. Inside, more sober, the cathedral shelters the royal and imperial tombs of great sovereigns of Sicily, including the emperor Frederick II and the king Roger II, as well as a treasure and a crypt. Listed as UNESCO world heritage, it embodies the multicultural identity of Palermo. A major sanctuary and an Arab-Norman masterpiece, the Cathedral of Palermo is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the unique cathedral with the appearance of a fortress and the Arab-Norman style, built from the end of the twelfth century on a former mosque and constantly reworked, mixing Arab-Norman, Gothic, baroque and neoclassical elements, with an exterior bristling with towers and domes, which shelters the royal tombs of Frederick II and Roger II and a treasure, listed by UNESCO. The Cathedral of Palermo is an Arab-Norman masterpiece. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Cathedral of Palermo lies near the Via Matteo Bonello, in the heart of the town, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; the entry of the nave is generally free, while the access to the tombs, the treasure and the roofs follows its own hours and prices, which vary. It is best to check them before coming.

Why is the Cathedral of Palermo unique?

Because it has the appearance of a fortress and an Arab-Norman style, heritage of the mixing of the cultures of Sicily: built from the end of the twelfth century on a former mosque and constantly reworked, it mixes the Arab-Norman, Gothic, baroque and neoclassical styles, and shelters the royal tombs of great sovereigns like Frederick II and Roger II; it is listed by UNESCO.

Where is the Cathedral of Palermo?

Near the Via Matteo Bonello, in the heart of Palermo, in Italy.