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This ticket allows access to one of the most important monumental complexes of the Sicilian-Norman Middle Ages, offering you the possibility to meet and understand the founding idea that moved King William II who strongly wanted not only the building of the cathedral, but of the entire abbey complex.
The declared intent of the Norman King was for Monreale to become the region’s reference point of the ecclesiastical world. This was also the reason why he granted the monastery to a Benedictine order that came from Cava dei Tirreni in the Salerno region of southern Italy. The cathedral - which was archbishop's seat since its foundation - was architecturally completed with the construction of the extraordinary cloister, an elegant example of monastic architecture, a true “hortus conclusus” (“enclosed garden” in the Medieval sense) where it is easy to imagine the monks walking, reading and praying.
The Cloister
The cloister forms the fulcrum of the entire complex of the Benedictine abbey Santa Maria La Nuova, founded in 1174 at the behest of the Norman King William II. The elegant square cloister is surrounded by pointed arches that end in double columns. These are beautifully decorated with mosaic, with zig zag motifs or with late-classical plant motifs.
Similarly rich and varied is the decoration of the capitals that are sculpted with exquisite artistry and detail. Here, you can find themes related to religious iconography, to the Old and New Testament, animals from the medieval bestiary and the Middle Eastern tradition of plant motifs.
Your Visit
Explore the cathedral, discover the magnificent mosaics (approx. 6.340 m²) with scenes from the Old and the New Testament, the Christ Pantocrator in the dome above the central apse, and many other images full of stunning detail.
Then, continue on to the chapel of the crucifix - better known as Roano Chapel, which was named after its founder - where the cathedral treasure is held. If you wish, continue on to visit the Diocesan Museum (not included in ticket), which is partly located in the chapter hall of San Placido that housed the assembly of monks.
Conclude your tour in the peaceful beauty of the cloister.
Don't miss the experience of the cathedral’s terraces from which you can enjoy an extraordinary view of the city and of the plain of Palermo, all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.
For all bookings of day tours, a minimum of 24 hours' notice prior to your scheduled departure is required in order to receive a full refund. If a cancellation is made with less than 24 hours notice, no refund is given.
For all bookings of multi-day and custom private tours, a minimum of 72 hours' notice prior to your scheduled departure is required in order to receive a full refund. If a cancellation is made with less than 72 hours' notice, no refund is given*
*Note that in the event the client requests a refund for any reason, Tour Desk reserves the right to charge a 3% administration fee to cover costs incurred.
Cancellation and refund requests need to be sent in writing to info@tourdesk.io
