Palermo Sites - Monreale Cathedral

This is one of the examples of the Arab-Norman architecture, at the top of a mountain overlooking Palermo and the sea beyond. There is a peaceful garden, with 228 double support columns decorated with incredible mosaic tiles depicting scenes in history.

On the inside, there are mosaics made from pure gold reflecting stories from the Bible. We were there at sunset, and the sun was shining through a window illuminating these incredible works of art. We are sure they have been mesmerizing people since 1172.


We entered just as Mass began, which was a real experience to hear in Latin and Italian.

We ate the best lemon gelato at a sidewalk cafe in the square outside the Cathedral. There were multiple Sicilian generations at play in the piazza, from the kids yelling "Andiamo!" ("Let's go!") to the older gentlemen standing on the street corner reflecting on what seemed to be a wonderful way to live life.