Page 536 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italy

534  SOUTHERN IT AL Y

2 Monreale

Magnificently adorned, and with a splendid view of
the Conca d’Oro, the Duomo at Monreale is one of the
great sights of Norman Sicily. Founded in 1172 by the
Norman King William II, it flanks a monastery of the
Benedictine Order. The interior of the cathedral glitters
with mosaics carried out by Sicilian and Byzantine
artists – the inspiration of a king who wanted to rival
the power of the Archbishop of Palermo. Like Cefalù, . Christ Pantocrator
and later Palermo, it was to serve as a royal sepulchre. The cathedral’s Latin-cross plan focuses
on the imposing mosaic (12th to
13th century) of the all-powerful Christ.

Apse Exterior
With their rich multi-
coloured ornamentation in
tufa and marble, the three
apses represent the apogee
of Norman decoration.

KEY
1 Barisano da Trani’s bronze door
(1179) on the north side is shielded
by a portico designed by Gian
Domenico and Fazio Gagini Entrance to Cappella del
(1547–69). Crocifisso and Treasury
2 Original Cosmati floor in choir
3 Nave and aisles separated by
Roman columns
4 The royal tomb of William II,
in white marble, flanks the porphyry
tomb of William I in the corner
of the transept. . Mosaic Cycle
5 Magnificent gilded wood ceiling Completed in 1182,
the rich mosaics
6 The south wall and cloisters show scenes from
survive as elements from the the Old Testament
Benedictine monastery. (nave), Teachings
7 Small Oriental-inspired of Christ (aisles,
fountain choir and transepts),
and the Gospels
8 The 18th-century porch is (side apses). The
surrounded by two squat towers.
story of Noah’s Ark
is depicted here.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp576–7 and pp600–605

534-535_EW_Italy.indd 534 4/5/17 9:31 AM
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.2)
Date 23rd October 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm