Monreale Cathedral: its Fascinating History From Norman Conquest to today's iconic landmark

It is just a short bus ride from Palermo to Monreale Cathedral. And believe me, it's worth it.

Monreale Cathedral is one big masterpiece of medieval architecture. Visitors have admired its mosaics, stone carvings, and arches for centuries.

Beyond the Cathedral's beauty lies a history that spans from the Norman conquest of Sicily to the present. What started as a humble monastery has become an iconic landmark.

Centuries of political and cultural upheaval have gone by. Monreale has witnessed it all. Today, it remains a testament to the enduring power of art and faith.

Not to mention the skill and inventiveness of its creators.

In this page we explore the incredible story of Monreale Cathedral, and discover why it remains one of Sicily's most cherished treasures.

The road leading up to Monreale Cathedral, near Palermo

The road leading from Palermo to Monreale. Near the coast, you can see the center of Palermo.

The Normans and the Conquest of Sicily

The story of Monreale Cathedral starts with the Norman conquest of Sicily.

The Normans, a group of Vikings, had settled in Normandy, France. There they learned statesmanship and converted to Christianity. Military skills they already had.

From France, they migrated to southern Italy. First, they were called there as mercenaries, but slowly they turned into a force of their own.

By the 11th century, the Normans had conquered Puglia and Calabria. Sicily soon followed.

In 1071, the Norman nobleman Robert Guiscard led an invasion of Sicily. Over the next decades, the Normans gradually gained control of the island.

In 1130, the Norman king Roger II was crowned king of Sicily. The Muslim Saracens had turned Palermo into the capital of the island. Roger picked up where they had left off.

The Founding of Monreale Cathedral

In 1174, William II, the grandson of Roger II, decided to build a new cathedral to rival the great churches of Europe. He chose a site on a hill just outside Palermo, overlooking the city and the sea.

The cathedral was dedicated to Virgin Mary. It was to be the centerpiece of a new monastery of the Benedictine order.

The construction of the cathedral took 15 years to complete. The time is very short compared to other similar structures of the time. The Duomo of Pisa, for example, took over a hundred years to build.

Originally there were a monastery and a palace around Monreale Cathedral. Now they are long gone. However, the town that grew up around them continues to exist. Monreale is currently home to 30 000 people.

In front of Monreale Cathedral.

The Architecture and Decoration of the Cathedral

The architecture of Monreale Cathedral is a blend of Norman, Byzantine, and Arab styles.

The exterior is relatively plain. Like many Norman churches, it looks like a cross between a church and a fortress. One of the two bell towers was never completed.

The interior is a true masterpiece in decoration and design.

But before entering, take a look at the doors of the place. Their builder, Bonnano Pisanto, is better known for the leaning tower of Pisa, which he also built.

Pisanto was apparently better at building doors than towers. The engravings on these great doors are based on biblical stories.

But yes, the real masterpiece waits at the interior. The walls and ceilings of the cathedral are covered in golden mosaics. This 102 meters (335 ft) long and 40 meters (130 ft) wide basilica has about 2 tons of gold on its walls.

The mosaics depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints. Around the top of the nave runs a story of Genesis, like some very expensive silent comic.

And then there's the "All Ruling" Christ in the style of the Eastern Orthodox Church. An example of Norman's ability to cooperate. At least after the fighting was done.

Christ Pantocrator in Monreale Cathedral

"The All Ruling Christ" is a common theme in Norman cathedrals in Sicily.

In fact, the whole cathedral bears witness to this collaboration with three distinct cultures: the Norman, the Byzantine, and the Arab. In this, it reflects the Sicilian culture of the time.

The marble columns supporting the church date back to ancient Rome. The Pope sent them from Rome - probably to remind people that he, too, was still there.

The roof was struck by lightning and burnt down in the 19th century. It is thus later work.

The Role of Monreale Cathedral in Sicilian History

The purpose of the Monreal Cathedral was to serve as a symbol of Norman power in Sicily. The Normans also used it to show their wealth and piousness.

From the beginning, Monreale Cathedral also served as a center of religious and cultural life. It attracted pilgrims and visitors alike.

After the Norman occupation, the cathedral served its purpose under several monarchs. Eventually, political instability and wars led to its decline.

By the 17th century, Monreale Cathedral was in a state of decay. The mosaics had been covered or had otherwise deteriorated.

The Cathedral's Decline and Restoration

Restoration work on Monreale Cathedral began in the mid-1800s and 1900s.

As you might guess, it was no small task.

First of all, the durability of the structures had to be established. Then came the cleaning of the site.

It also took meticulous research to figure out what the cathedral originally looked like. Only then could the building of the structures begin.

The mosaics were restored by top artisans.

All this, of course, took a long time.

The reward for the hard work came in 2015 when Monreale Cathedral became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Golden mosaics at the walls of Monreale Cathedral.

The cathedral walls are decorated with stories of events from the Bible.

Visiting Monreale Cathedral - What to See and Do

Monreale Cathedral is one of the main things to see and do in the Palermo area. And in Sicily in general.

It is open to the public every day. (Check the opening hours here.) For a small entrance fee, you get a lot to marvel at.

The large cathedral is full of little details to wonder about. A recorded guided tour is available for those interested in history.

The cathedral is well worth taking the time to visit. There's plenty to see and do.

There is also a museum attached to the cathedral where you can learn about the history of the place.

The city of Monreale itself is not very big. It is still worth a look around. There are many small boutiques, eateries, and cafés nearby.

Conclusion - Monreale Cathedral's Enduring Legacy

Monreale Cathedral is more than just a beautiful building; it is a testament to the power of art, faith, and human ingenuity.

It embodies centuries of history and cultural change.

Today, Monreale Cathedral remains one of Sicily's most cherished treasures. Its mosaics and architecture continue to inspire awe and wonder.

It also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Norman dynasty.

Year after year, Monreale Cathedral attracts visitors from all over the world.