Page 68 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sicily

66  P ALERMO AREA BY AREA

3 Cappella Palatina

Founded in 1132 by Roger II (see pp32–3), the
Cappella Palatina with its splendid mosaics is a jewel
of Arab-Norman art. The basilica has two side aisles
and three apses with granite columns dividing the nave.
The walls are decorated with biblical scenes. On the
cupola and the bowl of the central apse is the image
of Christ Pantocrator surrounded by angels, while the
niches house the Four Evangelists. Old Testament kings
and prophets are on the arches, Christ blessing the
faithful dominates the middle apse, and the transept
walls bear scenes from the Gospel. Other important
features are the wooden ceiling, a masterpiece of
Muslim art, and the marble pulpit and candelabrum. . The Central Apse
The overall harmony of the design, and the perfection In the middle is the Christ
of the details, make this a unique monument. Pantocrator; below him the Virgin
Mary and the saints.

. Wooden Ceiling
The ceiling over the central
section of the nave consists of
carved wooden coffers with
paintings in tempera, in keeping
with an old Arab technique.

Royal Throne
This is opposite the central
apse and has a cusped back
divided into squares bearing
the Aragonese coat of arms.
For hotels and restaurants in this area see p202 and pp210–11

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