30/05/2026
Rumor has it that the three rulers who commissioned the Cathedrals of Palermo, Cefalù and Monreale did so around the same timeframe - 1100's. It soon became a competition - who could hire the most impressive artist to create the most spectacular Cathedral. Boys will be boys... Well, in my humble opinion it wasn't a competition at all!
The Cathedral of Monreale brags 2,2 tonnes of gold mosaics. Besides the sheer oppulance, what I love most amount the Cathedral of Monreale is its running theme - tales of the Old and New Testament are depicted in chronological order along the encircling walls, all leading to the Messiah - stunningly portrayed inside the Chancel - with the Apostle Peter on his left and the Apostle Paul on his right.
I love the bizantine/gothic feel - how they keep the lights low to enhance the sentiment of goth, how the light shimmers off the gold tiny mosaics, how each mosaic is slightly different, how everything blends Arab and Christian beliefs.
It's worth the trip! Let me show you 😉