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The province of Palermo is a wide known highlight of Sicily, fascinating for all the handcrafts, for the unique cuisine, the archaeology and the architecture that holds great importance and splendor. The province if marked by unique edifices that make up the pinnacle of styles and ages from long ago. It is the case of the Monreale Duomo, a majestic piece of art that resides in the town of Monreale from the province of Palermo.

The locality is famed for its several characteristics, such as “La Conca d’Oro” (Golden Shell) which is a fertile valley known for the production of oranges, olives and almonds. The valley makes a beautiful view. But if you are a visual person, you should know that the most exquisite of all the sights is the one offered by the terraces of the loftiest architectural landmark of the town, the Monreale Cathedral. This wonder of the Middle Ages is the most overwhelming Norman religious mark of Sicily. Its story started back in 1174 in the time of William II, the initiator of the project. His wish was to outrun the majesty of his grandfather’s (Roger II) masterpiece, the Capella Palatina, which he did.

The exterior is not that attractive and the drab façade offers few clues of the inner beauty. But it is enough to take the first step inside in order to be instantly captured by the mosaics that represent scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The fineness of the Venetian artists becomes obvious while admiring the approximately 2000 mosaics which is the reason why the cathedral is right next in line after Hagia Sofia from Istanbul in the top of mosaic mastery on Earth.

The original plan of the edifice seems to have been a mix of Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic elements. The nave appears like an Italian basilica and the triple-apsed choir resembles to the early three-apsed churches. The nave also has wide aisles and it bears monolithic columns of grey granite joined by classical capitals. Sufficient light enters through the clerestory made of wide simple two-light windows.

The Eastern half has two aisles in the center and each ends with an apse. The colorful wooden roofs have an appearance that resulted from the restorations. A former atrium was replaced by a portico designed in the Renaissance style.

The fascinating interior continues towards the northern part of the choir that shelters the tombs of Margaret of Navarre (wife of William II) and sons Roger and Henry, along with the viscera of Saint Louis of France. The triple choir is adorned with a pavement that presents marble and porphyry mastery incorporating Arabic elements. Also impressive are Monreale’s bronze doors. The main entrance is highlighted by doors sculpted in 1185 and signed by Bonanno da Pisa. These doors are an eye catcher because they display 42 reliefs of Biblical scenes. The northern doors (signed in 1179 by Barisano da Trani) are known for the depiction of 42 portraits of saints and evangelists. The 16th century also left its mark over the northern door through the protective portico.

Another token of mastery can be admired in the southern side where a beautiful cloister that consists of 228 double columns announces a touch of the Arabic style which can be observed while looking at the arches. The Romanesque style is also present by figurative carvings that adorn the columns and capitals.

If you get to the cloisters, make sure you don’t miss out on the amazing view to the sea and the bay of Conca d’Oro that the roof terraces enable.

The Monreale Church is a royal dream that came true. It is one architectural wonder and a great thing about it is the easy access. It can be easily reached by bus which enables anyone to be the witness of this Norman jewel.