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Monreale

Famed for its glorious golden mosaics, Monreale Cathedral is perhaps the finest Norman building in Sicily. It was built in the 12th century as part of a grand royal complex a few miles outside of Palermo.

Located in the province of Palermo, on the skirts of Mount Caputo, Monreale is built in a commanding situation over the port of Palermo. It was a pleasure resort of the Norman kings, to whom it owes its foundation. In 1167 William II built there the church of Santa Maria Nuova, with its adjoining monastery for the Benedictines of Cava dei Tirreni - the most superb monastic building of the Benedictine Order in Europe, famous for its cloister and its graceful Moresque colonnade. The church (now the cathedral) is the noblest in Sicily.The XVII century, in the north apse, Cappella del Crocifisso (chapel of the Crucifix), through which you can access the rich Cathedral treasury, contrasting with the rest of the medieval interior, is a notable example of Sicilian Baroque.

Monreale Cathedral (Duomo) was built from 1174 to 1185. Chapel of the Crucifix, 1682-1690

Monreale Cathedral (Duomo) was built from 1174 to 1185.Chapel of the Crucifix, 1682-1690

Statue of king King William II offering his church to Virgin Mary, in front of the entrance of the Duomo

As proof of the royal homage paid to the Virgin Mary, the “Capitello della donazione” in the cloisters was created: a sculpture that depicts William II offering the Church to the Holy Virgin.

Text & pictures: Internetwww.atlantedellarteitaliana.

Arangement: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda

Sound: Jan Garbarek - Pace mihi Domine