Palermo Cathedral

Palermo, Italy

Palermo Cathedral was erected in 1185 by Walter Ophamil (or Walter of the Mill), the Anglo-Norman archbishop of Palermo and King William II's minister, on the area of an earlier Byzantine basilica. By all accounts this earlier church was founded by Pope Gregory I and was later turned into a mosque by the Saracens after their conquest of the city in the 9th century. Ophamil is buried in a sarcophagus in the church's crypt. The medieval edifice had a basilica plan with three apses, of which only some minor architectural elements survive today.

The upper orders of the corner towers were built between the 14th and the 15th centuries, while in the early Renaissance period the southern porch was added. The present neoclassical appearance dates from the work carried out over the two decades 1781 to 1801, supervised by Ferdinando Fuga and Giuseppe Venanzio Marvuglia. During this period the great retable by Gagini, decorated with statues, friezes and reliefs, was destroyed and the sculptures moved to different parts of the basilica. Also by Fuga are the great dome emerging from the main body of the building, and the smaller domes covering the aisles' ceilings.

In the right aisle, in the first and second chapel communicating with one another, are the monumental tombs of King Roger II, his daughter Queen Constance I of Sicily, her husband Emperor Henry VI, and their son Emperor Frederick II, as well as the burials of Frederick's first wife Constance of Aragon and his great-great-grandson William II, Duke of Athens on the side walls. 

Palermo Cathedral is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale.

 

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Details

Founded: 1185
Category: Religious sites in Italy

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Nigel Pink (2 months ago)
Beautiful cathedral in the centre of Palermo and the highlight of our trip there. Just make sure to see both the crypt and especially go up on the roof. The view from the top is one of my favourite from Italy and shouldn't be missed.
Buddy Morris (2 months ago)
Walked 25 minutes from our B&B the closed roads still have scooters, delivery drivers and mopeds on the way there. The church is Beautiful outside and inside. Free to go inside. Many walking tours happening. Plenty of places to grab a light snack and a cold drink surrounding the church property. I did see many people walking on top of the church, it may be a paid access tour, not sure.
Radosław Kwiatkowski (2 months ago)
It is one of the most important places to see in Palermo. Beautiful architecture with few options to guide. Tickets are available for roof, tombs , chapel, garden, and underground crypts. Choice is yours. I would recommend the roof as mandatory because the view is amazing. Reasonable prices. Church itself is free of charge.
Joanne Coulter (2 months ago)
This is a beautiful place. It’s not very clear from the signs what you actually get to see in all the different areas and they’re all priced differently. We did the roof which is worthwhile for the views but a lot is stairs and you can’t stay up there long? It was very hot when we visited and that was the case in the cathedral too even though we expected it to be cool. Worth a visit though
alillabo (3 months ago)
A Grand Architectural Marvel with a Fairytale Feel ??? The Cathedral of Palermo is a must-see for anyone visiting this vibrant city. Situated right in the heart of Palermo, its sheer size and intricate architecture immediately captivate. As you approach, the grandeur of the building feels almost otherworldly, like stepping into a fairytale. What makes this cathedral particularly fascinating is its blend of architectural styles. Over centuries, it has undergone numerous changes, from its original Norman design to later additions and restorations, including significant work in the 18th century. This amalgamation of styles adds a unique charm and historical depth to the building. While the exterior and overall presence are undeniably impressive, the interior is relatively understated compared to some of the more elaborately decorated churches in the city. The lack of ornate decoration inside might be seen as a drawback, but it allows visitors to appreciate the cathedral’s architectural evolution and historical significance without distraction. In summary, the Cathedral of Palermo offers a grand experience with its stunning exterior and diverse architectural elements. Although its interior might not be as ornate as other local churches, the overall experience is still deeply enriching and well worth a visit.
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