Monreale
Monreale

Monreale

Monreale, Sicily

The basics

Located just 9 miles (15 kilometers) south of Palermo, Monreale is a popular day trip from the capital city or from the nearby cities of Taormina and Cefalù; many sightseeing and street food tours of Palermo also include a stop in this hilltop village to visit its grand cathedral. Known for its sumptuous mosaic decorations that depict Biblical scenes and cover 68,889 square feet (6,400 square meters) of the interior, Monreal’s cathedral (or duomo) is one of the most important architectural landmarks on the island of Sicily. The adjacent abbey cloister—built around the same time as the church and expanded in the 1300s—is equally striking with its 200-plus intricate double columns decorated in glass mosaic.

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The Godfather Origins of Mafia: Corleone & Visit Monreale Duomo
The Godfather Origins of Mafia: Corleone & Visit Monreale Duomo
star-5
$301.84 per adult
Traveler Favorite
Excellent way to spend a day
Umberto was a fantastic guide and very knowledgeable and friendly. The Mafia museum was a blast and the owner was very theatric and informative. Highly recommend this tour as a day trip from Palermo.
Chad_N, Dec 2023
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Things to know before you go

  • Visiting the cathedral in Monreale is a must for art and architecture enthusiasts.
  • Walking tours of Palermo and Monreale largely take place outdoors, so wear sunscreen and a hat in summer.
  • Modest attire that covers the knees and shoulders is required to enter the Monreale cathedral.
  • The church and abbey are wheelchair-accessible.
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How to get there

The village of Monreale is a short drive from Palermo, but parking is limited. The best way to visit is via the bus from Palermo’s Piazza Indipendenza or by joining a guided tour that includes transportation.

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When to get there

To avoid the worst of the tour bus crowds, plan your visit to the Monreale’s duomo in the early morning or late afternoon.

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Highlights of the Duomo and Abbey of Monreale

Part of the UNESCO-listed group of nine Arab-Norman cathedrals in Palermo, Cefalù, and Monreale—the duomo and abbey in the village of Monreale are famous primarily for their vast 12th-century mosaics covering almost the entire interior of the church. These Byzantine works are inspired by stories from the Old and New Testaments, and glow with multi-colored and gold glass tiles. The royal church also contains the tombs of William I and William II of Sicily, Margaret of Navarre (wife of William I), and the princes Roger and Henry.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Monreale ?
A:

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