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San Giovanni degli Eremiti

Via dei Benedettini 3, Palermo, Sicily, Italy (Palazzo Reale)
091-651-5019
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Ranked #33 of 105 attractions in Palermo
Type: Ancient Ruins, Gardens, Architectural Buildings
Activities: Walking, Viewing foliage
Owner description: This important monument is well-recognized for its Arab architecture, which contains three domes and cubic forms that are representative of an... more » Owner description: This important monument is well-recognized for its Arab architecture, which contains three domes and cubic forms that are representative of an Oriental influence. « less
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45 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Ghent, Belgium
Top Contributor
83 reviews 83 reviews
62 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
49 helpful votes 49 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 11, 2012

It is not exaggerated to call this an oasis. The little romanesque church, the XIII century cloister and the small garden make you forget that you are in one of the busiest cities of Italy.

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 28 more reviews by AnnyDirk for Palermo
Holmdel, New Jersey
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
45 helpful votes 45 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 5, 2012

So Frommer's puts this in the top 3 things to visit when in Palermo. For the 6 euro's you pay, you see very little. Maybe it's worth 2 euro's and maybe not.

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See 5 more reviews by David P for Palermo
Geneva, Switzerland
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 13, 2012

The garden with the fig trees, the many acanthus, the arums, the small beautiful cloister, the Byzantine cupolas, the stark interior, all pleased me.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by mfwrites_11 for Palermo
London
Top Contributor
74 reviews 74 reviews
48 attraction reviews
Reviews in 35 cities Reviews in 35 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 9, 2012

Like San Cataldo, this little church is another Arab / Norman architectural fusion. Set in small but peaceful grounds (ruined cloisters) the four, pink Arab domes complement the austere Norman architecture perfectly. The interior, with its simple groin vaults, is elegant and beautiful. If you appreciate restraint and simplicity then this is a must. I recommend seeing this on the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by handel21 for Palermo
Cuckfield, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
48 reviews 48 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed February 16, 2012

There is rather little to see here. The ruins are well maintained, the cloisters are small and pleasant, and it is interesting to see the 5 red domes. However, there was little else to keep us here, although it was a complete contrast to the Baroque-fest elsewhere or the unmaintained ruins elsewhere in the city.

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See 10 more reviews by randbk for Palermo
Winchester
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed September 24, 2009

San Giovanni is a little oasis in the middle of the mad city, a lovely garden full of palms and pomegranates just metres from the insane Palermo traffic. The building has been renovated but they are now charging €6, which seems a little steep given that there's not really anything to see once you get inside. Like the other Arab-Norman... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by parlogilese for Palermo
Southern England
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed October 19, 2007

Completely closed for restoration and has been for quite a while. Nothing in any of the guidebooks though eg Eyewitness was updated recently while the site must have been "in restauro", and certainly nothing in the guides produced by the local tourist office. Of course these places have to be maintained and Italy has such a vast heritage that one... More

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See 2 more reviews by meancritic for Palermo
Palermo, Italy
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed September 29, 2007

Debdancing is 100% right, and I can confirm this as I only live a few blocks away from San Giovanni Degli Eremiti. Though it gives you the feel of what lush, luxuriant Arab gardens were like back in the day (even if the structure was built during Norman times on the remains of an Islamic edifice) it is in dire... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Worthing, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
38 attraction reviews
Reviews in 34 cities Reviews in 34 cities
248 helpful votes 248 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed September 28, 2007

This Church is located in Via dei Benedettini. wedged in adjacent to the University. It is easily recognisable by the five Norman red domes. I especially wanted to visit this Church but it is currently closed for renovation. You are offered the chance to climb the belltower for a "panoramic view". This costs 1 euro. While I was happy I... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 11 more reviews by debdancing for Palermo
A TripAdvisor Member
1 of 5 stars Reviewed February 27, 2005

This place was nothing what i thought it would be! I am glad i didnt bring my kids because they would of fallen asleep on the spot. The information the tour guides gave us had no interesting facts at all.It was a waste of money and time.

Was this review helpful? Yes 4

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