Hotels near Monreale Cathedral

Monreale Cathedral, 10 km southwest of Palermo, is the third Sicilian Arab-Norman UNESCO monument - and it holds the largest cycle of Byzantine gold mosaics in Italy. King William II commissioned the church in 1174; the 6,400 square metres of mosaics were finished by 1267 and depict the entire Old and New Testament around walls, apses, and central nave. The Christ Pantocrator in the apse is 13 m high and visible from the back of the church.

The cathedral itself is free to enter, with paid sections including the rooftop walk (around 5 EUR), the treasury, and the cloister - 228 paired columns inlaid with mosaic and topped by carved capitals depicting biblical scenes, mythical creatures, and medieval everyday life (10 EUR). The square outside is small and almost always packed with coach groups, but the cloister is calmer and a clear highlight. Combine Monreale with the Palazzina Cinese and Capo Gallo nature reserve for a half-day out of Palermo by car or local bus.

Pro Tip: Take the AMAT bus 389 from Palermo Piazza Indipendenza (1.80 EUR for a 90-minute ticket) rather than driving - parking in Monreale's old town is brutal. Aim for arrival before 10:30 AM to see the mosaics in the best natural light and to beat the worst of the cruise-day crowds.