Palermo Cathedral

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dome with light hole Photo - Palermo Cathedral, Sicily, Italy

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Palermo's Historic Cathdral

by airynfaerie

St. Augustine, Florida

December 7, 2009

Best of IgoUgo One of the days we were in Sicily, while exploring the city of Palermo, we definitely had on our agenda to visit the city's main cathedral. It wasn't hard to miss this massive structure while we walked through the center of town, as it boasts ...Read more One of the days we were in Sicily, while exploring the city of Palermo, we definitely had on our agenda to visit the city's main cathedral. It wasn't hard to miss this massive structure while we walked through the center of town, as it boasts arches, towers, dome, and massive courtyard.

The Cathedral of Palermo is also known as the Duomo Palermo, and was built in the 12th century, going through many additions and renovations all the way until the 18th century. It's well known for it's mix of styles coming from many eras and nationalities. Originally this site was the home of a Muslim mosque which was itself built over an early Christian basilica. The architectural styles span from Gothic and Norman, to Catalan, Islamic and the most prominent Neoclassical.

We spent some time wandering around the exterior as it's such a massive and impressive space that it takes some time to take it all in. There are four bell towers, a huge rosa window, several arches towering over a side street, and unending details on the stone exterior. Under the portico at the entrance are impressive inscriptions and carvings.

Finally inside we were taken aback by the lovely space. Laid out as a cross with aisles crossing, there is a massive open feeling to this large church. There are numerous chapels along the sides and tomb markers for many royal figures of the past. A treasury holds many valuable artifacts as well as the well-known crown of Constance of Sicily. One can visit the crypt for a euro or two.

One of the most interesting parts of the cathedral to me was the astronomical calendar laid out in marble on the floor. There is a small hole in the dome overhead which lets in a direct beam of sunlight and it follows the bronze inlaid line on the floor pointing out what astrological time of year it is. There are details marble designs of each symbol from taurus to capricorn.

If you're in Palermo, this is a must-see site...full of history, art, and intrigue.

• http://www.cattedrale.palermo.it/
• Piazza di Cattedrale, Corso Vittorio Emanuele
• +39 091-334373
• Open Mon-Sat 8:30am-5:30pm
• Free admission (donations accepted) to church (crypt additional fee)
• Bus: 103, 104, 108, 110, 118, or 139 Close

From journal A Couple Days in Palermo, Sicily

Palermo Cathedral

by Drever

Ayr, Scotland, United Kingdom

November 21, 2005

Best of IgoUgo The cathedral fits into the city’s pattern of beauty mixed with jarring consistencies. It is a massive rectangular building with towers at the front corners in the Norman Arab style. The facade and south porch are Gothic. It is an odd ...Read more The cathedral fits into the city’s pattern of beauty mixed with jarring consistencies. It is a massive rectangular building with towers at the front corners in the Norman Arab style. The facade and south porch are Gothic. It is an odd building, with the fine lines of the tawny stone spoilt by the late 18th-century addition of an out-of-character dome. Norman carving and detail on the outside make it interesting, but the inside, while grand, is cold and neoclassical.

A fascinating exterior design is the repeating horizontal inlay motif of the lions "passant guardant," visible near the apse. Its presence here suggests that the Normans used the symbol in Sicily long before the Norman Kings of England employed it as the heraldic symbol of England.

The cathedral rests on the foundation of an earlier basilica the Arabs who conquered Palermo in 831 had converted into a mosque. Interestingly, they nevertheless left intact a coffin containing the remains of the Greek Philosopher Aristotle. In 1072, when the Normans gained control of Palermo, Count Roger quickly saw to it the Great Mosque once again became a Christian church. After an earthquake in 1169, a start on rebuilding it began in 1185.

While the present cathedral dates from 1185, the impressive Gothic "porch" on the southern front is a 15th-century addition. The cupola, added in the late 18th century, detracts from the overall appearance. The extensive baroque reconstruction of the interior at the same time defaced the Norman Arab arches and lines inside the church, resulting in a clash of styles. Modifications over a long time span resulted in glaring inconsistencies in design.

The chapel near the main entrance of the church is famous for its royal tombs. It is here that King Roger II lies against his wishes for he wanted to rest in the cathedral he created in Cefalù. He lies in the company of his daughter and an assemblage of other royal tombs that includes the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, in red porphyry under a canopy of marble.

To the right of the choir is a lavish collection, which includes a jewel- and pearl-encrusted skullcap and three simple precious rings, all removed from the tomb of Constance of Aragon in the 18th century. On a more grisly nature are the relics of several saints, including a withered extremity said to be the foot of Mary Magdalen.

The Cathedral Treasury is a museum containing finely crafted religious objects. These include illuminated manuscripts, bejewelled chalices and crucifixes, and sophisticated gold jewellery adorned with Byzantine enamelware. The treasury's most famous object is the Crown of Constance, a masterpiece of 12th-century metalwork combining Byzantine, Arabic, and Western styles.

The rivalry of two brothers prompted them to build Palermo and Monreale cathedrals. Monreale cathedral, with its mosaic of Christ Pantocrator filling the wall above the altar, in my view, wins the interior prize, but Palermo Cathedral has the better outside. Close

From journal Palermo and Agrigento – where civilisations meet

Palermo Cathedral

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Palermo's Historic Cathdral

Palermo Cathedral