Sicily in a week - Monreale, Palermo

Monreale is a town on the slope of Monte Caputo. There is a very stunning Monreale Cathedral with the greatest extant example of Norman Architecture in the world. It was built from 1174 to 1185 the Norman ruler of Sicily at that time, who wished to demonstrate the magnificence of his kingdom and outdo the splendid Palatine Chapel built by this grandfather. So Monreale is a must go!!! if one is ever in Palermo

we took the bus from the main station in Palermo, cost 2.80Euros for a round trip(tickets can be bought on board or one can take the bus from Piazza Independenza(I'm not sure the bus number but it's state on the bus Monreale. It take about 35 minutes bus ride from the main station

note: there are not buses to Monreale on Sunday, so plan wisely!!!

the bus driver was super nice to us. He even walked us to the cathedral himself and showed us few nice spots to see panoramic view of Palermo

they sell snails in Italy

map of Monreale

the Monreale cathedral it was close temporary in the afternoon. so we strolled around for a bit

the town of Monreale

alot of interesting artsy shops

love the mosaic fridge magnet

group photo with Carmelo the friendly bus driver

view of Palermo from Monreale

stunning view

side facade of the Monreale cathedral, this beauty is the combination of 3 style - Norman - French, Byzantine and Arab. AMAZING!!!

the interior of the Monreale cathedral, it looks really luxury and very golden

entrance is free, but the treasury, cloisters and terraces will need entrance fee

the mosaic design on the wall 

i was at awe

the mosaic design on the floor are amazing too

one of my fav picture

testing with my camera's white balance

fun fact The undisputed highlight of Monreale Cathedral is its richly mosaiced interior. Dating from the 12th-13th centuries, the golden mosaics completely covers the walls of the nave, isles, transept and apse, amounting to 68,220sq.ft. in total. The mosaic cycle is 2nd only the  Hagia Sofia in size and much better preserved. Some of the mosaics were created by craftsmen brought from Venice

an amazing portrait of Christ Pantocator ("Ruler of All") gestures in blessing and gazed serenely off to one side. the Greek inscription reads, " Jeses Christ, the Pantocrator". Populating the rest of the apse are standing saints and apostles

Old Testament stories are depicted in the nave, while scenes from the life of Christ adorn the aisles and transept

marble floor

the front door

on last picture of the cathedral

don't they look similar???....incredible work

back to the bus stop

time table for the bus to and from Monreale

i though it would took us probably whole day in Monreale but 3 hours was more than enough to see everything. We then spend the rest of the day on the beach in Mondello. It's gorgeous there...another must see in Palermo!!! more in my next post

~ ciao ~