Cattedrale di Palermo
Cattedrale di Palermo
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals
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This cathedral was started in 1185 by the norman archbishop Gualtiero Offamilio. You can visit the Royal and Imperial tomb of Frederik the II, the urn with the relics of the patron Saint of Palermo Santa Rosalia, plus a treasury with a precious medieval crown and a crypt from the VII century. The church is free to enter, there is a ticket to access the monumental area composed by royal tombs, treasury, crypt and the roof.
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1,606 within 3 miles
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512 within 6 miles
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- EdwardSanta Rosa, California1,876 contributionsImpressive Cathedral With Great Roof-top TourThe Palermo cathedral is large and its exterior is architecturally very interesting. It is set on a large square with good views. The inside is spacious and elegant but fairly plain and not in of itself particularly interesting when compared with numerous other examples. The best thing, from my point of view, is the opportunity to talk on the roof. This requires a separate fee and each ticket will be for a specific time. The visit is only for a limited time (I think a half hour or maybe less). However, it is very nice for people who like this sort of thing. Steps take one up to the roof at one end, then you walk along the very ridge of the roof and can go to the cupola of the dome and walk part way around each side. It has great views of the city and its setting. When I visited, I walked in and bought a ticket for the next time slot, and only had to wait about 20 minutes. There was no line at the time.Visited June 2019Written February 9, 2020
- Vicky_ChatzAlexandroupoli, Greece61 contributionsWorth a visitVery impressive cathedral with a big garden and a panoramic view of the city. But you have to pay for every little room you want to see. The cost for the roof and the panoramic view (for max 10 minutes) is 7€. The ticket for everything is 15€Visited July 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten July 11, 2022
- Israel RRa'anana, Israel16,126 contributionsA beautiful cathedral. In the past, a Christian basilica and a Mosque in the Muslim era. Highly recommended site.The location of the large and impressive building of the Palermo Cathedral is the place where a basilica was built in early Christianity and with the Muslim conquest of Sicily on the ruins of the Basilica a Muslim mosque was built, many Muslim motifs have survived to date and can be seen in several places in the Cathedral. The cathedral is rich in exceptionally large and remarkably interesting variety of works of art from different historical periods. Roof climbing provides the climbers a wonderful rooftop views of Palermo. Sunset hours are highly recommended. “NOT 2 B MISSED”Visited July 2019Written June 28, 2020
- Paul LegateUnited Kingdom20,367 contributionsA truly stunning cathedral in Centro StoricoPalermo Cathedral is an immense structure situated in the Centro Storico area of the city, I was amazed by the sheer scale of the building when I first saw it. The cathedral was created in 1185 by Walter Ophamil who was the Anglo-Norman archbishop of Palermo at the time. There is a mixture of architectural styles with additions and extensions that were added after the original building was completed. I visited shortly after the Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed, it was very quiet when I was there in July 2020 but most of the attractions within the cathedral were accessible. I spent a while inside the cathedral which was truly stunning and wished I had the time to stay longer. It is a place that must be explored whilst in Palermo.Visited July 2020Written November 19, 2020
- Donald KEdmonton, Canada1,186 contributionsYou should get the whole packageThe main portions in the church were very busy but the bishop's quarters in the attached building was full of artworks and pieces of interest and had very few visitors. The walkway seemed a bit touristy in that the line and wait for your turn to climb the stairwell took longer than the actual viewing on top. Might as well pay for the complete package since it is hard to guess what you will like the most. Although another option is to view what is free, which is also a fair bit.Visited October 2022Written October 21, 2022
- OLenanyBrooklyn, New York569 contributionsGreat historical placeThe history of Sicily is so complicated. It’s been under different rulers and religion. This Cathedral is absolutely amazing, beautiful. It’s definitely worth it to take a ticket that includes all the attractions, including the roof, where you can see a panoramic view of the city. Just keep in mind that the stairs to the roof are very narrow , The adjacent building is the one where the bishops live. Totally worth visitingVisited September 2022Traveled with familyWritten September 23, 2022
- Ryszard LSydney, Australia330 contributionsStunning CathedralThis is a stunning mixture of styles. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it was started in 1184 AD ( the architect, William Ophamil is entombed in the crypt) and is a mixture of Norman, early Gothic, a touch of Baroque, Catalan and Islamic. To top it off, the dome is 18th century! The Treasury is well worth a visit and the tombs of Sicily's kings are here. Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen is here along with his wife, Constance of Aragon, whose Imperial Diadem is on display in the Treasury. The chapel of Santa Rosalia has a rich ornamental bronze gate and contains many relics. The lapis lazuli in the Sacrament chapel is quite stunning as is the silver altarpiece. The cathedral also boasts a meridian, an early type of heliometer which is well worth seeing.Visited May 2019Written April 29, 2020
- Josh FormenteraCopenhagen, Denmark596 contributionsBeautiful Old Historical Church! Amazing view of the city from the top of the churchA great example of Arab-Norman Palermo architecture style. The church is very beautiful both inside and outside an amazing religious architecture. A very classic art of work that I admired very much specially the Islamic style geometric composition of 12 roundels that show fruit, humans all kind of animals. The Cosmati geometric mosaics floor was also beautiful to see inside the church and beautifully preserved artwork. On the top roof of the church not to be miss to see, there is an impressive view of the city of Palermo and it is great for photography.Visited July 2020Written September 20, 2020
- Nikolay VSofia, Bulgaria62 contributionsStrongly recommend!One of the most significant place in Palermo! There is a nice garden in front of the cathedral. The entrance is free but if you want to have a tour inside the cathedral and see Palermo from above you can buy a ticket. Amazing place you must visit!Visited May 2021Traveled as a coupleWritten June 30, 2021
- ANGELO VMilan, Italy2,803 contributionsMixed feelingsThere are several sections in the Cathedral of Palermo, and you need a ticket to visit each of them. Tickets are sold separately, but cumulative tickets are also available. Sections are: Royal Tombs, Treasury, Crypt, Basements, Apses and Roofs: I visited everything apart from the roofs (hundreds of stairs to climb). On approaching the Cathedral you see a wonderful building in a warm sandstone colour, originally built in 1185. The church interiors were redone during the 18th century, and they're quite disappointing. The Royal Tombs are those of Norman rulers of Sicily, among them the tomb of Frederick II of Swabia. The Treasury has several religious art pieces. The Crypt hosts several burials of noblemen and clergy, and it also has the royal crown of Constance of Aragon, an exquisite jewel in gold and precious stones.Visited November 2022Written December 1, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
8,448 reviews
Excellent
4,942
Very good
2,690
Average
698
Poor
75
Terrible
43
Edward
Santa Rosa, CA1,876 contributions
Jun 2019
The Palermo cathedral is large and its exterior is architecturally very interesting. It is set on a large square with good views. The inside is spacious and elegant but fairly plain and not in of itself particularly interesting when compared with numerous other examples. The best thing, from my point of view, is the opportunity to talk on the roof. This requires a separate fee and each ticket will be for a specific time. The visit is only for a limited time (I think a half hour or maybe less). However, it is very nice for people who like this sort of thing. Steps take one up to the roof at one end, then you walk along the very ridge of the roof and can go to the cupola of the dome and walk part way around each side. It has great views of the city and its setting. When I visited, I walked in and bought a ticket for the next time slot, and only had to wait about 20 minutes. There was no line at the time.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vicky_Chatz
Alexandroupoli, Greece61 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Very impressive cathedral with a big garden and a panoramic view of the city. But you have to pay for every little room you want to see. The cost for the roof and the panoramic view (for max 10 minutes) is 7€. The ticket for everything is 15€
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Israel R
Ra'anana, Israel16,126 contributions
Jul 2019
The location of the large and impressive building of the Palermo Cathedral is the place where a basilica was built in early Christianity and with the Muslim conquest of Sicily on the ruins of the Basilica a Muslim mosque was built, many Muslim motifs have survived to date and can be seen in several places in the Cathedral. The cathedral is rich in exceptionally large and remarkably interesting variety of works of art from different historical periods.
Roof climbing provides the climbers a wonderful rooftop views of Palermo. Sunset hours are highly recommended. “NOT 2 B MISSED”
Roof climbing provides the climbers a wonderful rooftop views of Palermo. Sunset hours are highly recommended. “NOT 2 B MISSED”
Written June 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Legate
United Kingdom20,367 contributions
Jul 2020
Palermo Cathedral is an immense structure situated in the Centro Storico area of the city, I was amazed by the sheer scale of the building when I first saw it. The cathedral was created in 1185 by Walter Ophamil who was the Anglo-Norman archbishop of Palermo at the time. There is a mixture of architectural styles with additions and extensions that were added after the original building was completed. I visited shortly after the Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed, it was very quiet when I was there in July 2020 but most of the attractions within the cathedral were accessible. I spent a while inside the cathedral which was truly stunning and wished I had the time to stay longer. It is a place that must be explored whilst in Palermo.
Written November 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donald K
Edmonton, Canada1,186 contributions
Oct 2022
The main portions in the church were very busy but the bishop's quarters in the attached building was full of artworks and pieces of interest and had very few visitors. The walkway seemed a bit touristy in that the line and wait for your turn to climb the stairwell took longer than the actual viewing on top.
Might as well pay for the complete package since it is hard to guess what you will like the most. Although another option is to view what is free, which is also a fair bit.
Might as well pay for the complete package since it is hard to guess what you will like the most. Although another option is to view what is free, which is also a fair bit.
Written October 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OLenany
Brooklyn, NY569 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
The history of Sicily is so complicated. It’s been under different rulers and religion.
This Cathedral is absolutely amazing, beautiful. It’s definitely worth it to take a ticket that includes all the attractions, including the roof, where you can see a panoramic view of the city. Just keep in mind that the stairs to the roof are very narrow ,
The adjacent building is the one where the bishops live. Totally worth visiting
This Cathedral is absolutely amazing, beautiful. It’s definitely worth it to take a ticket that includes all the attractions, including the roof, where you can see a panoramic view of the city. Just keep in mind that the stairs to the roof are very narrow ,
The adjacent building is the one where the bishops live. Totally worth visiting
Written September 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryszard L
Sydney, Australia330 contributions
May 2019
This is a stunning mixture of styles. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it was started in 1184 AD ( the architect, William Ophamil is entombed in the crypt) and is a mixture of Norman, early Gothic, a touch of Baroque, Catalan and Islamic. To top it off, the dome is 18th century! The Treasury is well worth a visit and the tombs of Sicily's kings are here. Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen is here along with his wife, Constance of Aragon, whose Imperial Diadem is on display in the Treasury. The chapel of Santa Rosalia has a rich ornamental bronze gate and contains many relics. The lapis lazuli in the Sacrament chapel is quite stunning as is the silver altarpiece. The cathedral also boasts a meridian, an early type of heliometer which is well worth seeing.
Written April 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josh Formentera
Copenhagen, Denmark596 contributions
Jul 2020
A great example of Arab-Norman Palermo architecture style. The church is very beautiful both inside and outside an amazing religious architecture. A very classic art of work that I admired very much specially the Islamic style geometric composition of 12 roundels that show fruit, humans all kind of animals. The Cosmati geometric mosaics floor was also beautiful to see inside the church and beautifully preserved artwork. On the top roof of the church not to be miss to see, there is an impressive view of the city of Palermo and it is great for photography.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nikolay V
Sofia, Bulgaria62 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
One of the most significant place in Palermo! There is a nice garden in front of the cathedral. The entrance is free but if you want to have a tour inside the cathedral and see Palermo from above you can buy a ticket. Amazing place you must visit!
Written June 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ANGELO V
Milan, Italy2,803 contributions
Nov 2022
There are several sections in the Cathedral of Palermo, and you need a ticket to visit each of them. Tickets are sold separately, but cumulative tickets are also available.
Sections are: Royal Tombs, Treasury, Crypt, Basements, Apses and Roofs: I visited everything apart from the roofs (hundreds of stairs to climb).
On approaching the Cathedral you see a wonderful building in a warm sandstone colour, originally built in 1185. The church interiors were redone during the 18th century, and they're quite disappointing.
The Royal Tombs are those of Norman rulers of Sicily, among them the tomb of Frederick II of Swabia.
The Treasury has several religious art pieces.
The Crypt hosts several burials of noblemen and clergy, and it also has the royal crown of Constance of Aragon, an exquisite jewel in gold and precious stones.
Sections are: Royal Tombs, Treasury, Crypt, Basements, Apses and Roofs: I visited everything apart from the roofs (hundreds of stairs to climb).
On approaching the Cathedral you see a wonderful building in a warm sandstone colour, originally built in 1185. The church interiors were redone during the 18th century, and they're quite disappointing.
The Royal Tombs are those of Norman rulers of Sicily, among them the tomb of Frederick II of Swabia.
The Treasury has several religious art pieces.
The Crypt hosts several burials of noblemen and clergy, and it also has the royal crown of Constance of Aragon, an exquisite jewel in gold and precious stones.
Written December 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
È possibile accedere con un cane di piccola taglia?
Si per chi dovesse essere utile mi hanno detto di sì in braccio direttamente da chi si occupa della cattedrale
Quelia34
Montpellier, France34 contributions
Bonjour, combien de temps dure la visite svp? Merci
Isabelle D
113 contributions
Si vous faites la visite totale:cripte, trésor, toit et édifice plus le musée il faut compter 1h30 au moins.
Nancy P
1 contribution
Quanti gradini ci sono per salire sui tetti?
Alessandra1965
Prato, Italy242 contributions
tanti almeno una sessantina e sono stretti e scivolosi...bisogna avere delle ottime ginocchia
DefaultName2020349
Gap, France13 contributions
Bonjour
La cathédrale se visite t-elle le Dimanche ?
Merci
Emmanuel
Clamart, France340 contributions
Oui.
Visitée hier dimanche 11 août 2019.
Sofia V
Castelo Branco, Castelo Branco, Portugal3 contributions
hello, we are going to palermo for only a day and want to go to mondelo beach so we don't have much time to visit the city. if having to choose, is it better catedrale di palermo or norman palace? we are also on a low budget so really need to choose just one!
Jan N
Wijchen, The Netherlands1,044 contributions
If you have to choose; Norman Palace, there is only one, cathedrals there are many all over the world. BR. Jan
sergio cicchitti
Buenos Aires, Argentina24 contributions
es necesario sacar la entrada por internet o se puede adquirir en la boletería? estaremos en palermo para fines de abril
Doris B
Lyss, Switzerland282 contributions
Sie können die Kathedrale frei besichtigen. Wenn Sie noch die Gräber vom Friedrich II besichtigen wollen, dann müssen Sie zusätzlich zahlen. Der Zugang zu Kathedrale ist ohne Gebühr.
Chiara S
2,401 contributions
Buongiorno c'è un parking adiacente alla cattedrale?quanto tempo occorre per visitarla 'eventualmente mi suggerite un'itinerario vicino da poter fare 8no tour de force?
marco460
Pescara, Italy411 contributions
Parking nelle vicinanze non so, siamo nel centro storico di Palermo, consigliabile girare a piedi.
Percorso turistico nelle vicinanze:
tutta Via Vittorio Emanuele da Porta Marina a Porta Nuova, con piccole deviazioni e brevi soste a:
- Piazza della Marina,
- Porto turistico (Via Cala),
- incrocio con Via Roma (sguardo a destra e a sinistra, da tenere per un prossimo itinerario);
- incrocio con Via Maqueda (l'altro asse della vecchia città romana) detto dei "4 canti" --> deviazione imposta per piazza Pretoria (20m, Fontana Pretoria) e piazza Bellini (altri 50 m) con visita alla chiesa della Martorana e di San Cataldo;
- ritorno ai 4 canti;
- proseguire verso la Cattedrale (sguardo da fuori, poco tempo per la visita)
- Proseguire per la Villa Boxano (parco che fronteggia il palazzo dei Normanni (che custodisce la cappella Palatina e che di per sé merita una visita (vedi altra ia recensione)
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cattedrale di Palermo
- We recommend booking Cattedrale di Palermo tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 73 Cattedrale di Palermo tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Cattedrale di Palermo:
- (0.02 mi) Cathedral House Design
- (0.03 mi) Casa Lilian Cattedrale
- (0.03 mi) I Vicini della Cattedrale
- (0.03 mi) Rifinito Appartamento di fronte alla Cattedrale
- (0.04 mi) Charming room overlooking the cathedral and terrace.
- Restaurants near Cattedrale di Palermo:
- (0.03 mi) Bar Duomo
- (0.03 mi) Il Chioschetto
- (0.03 mi) Bar Marocco
- (0.05 mi) MEC Restaurant
- (0.06 mi) La Galleria
- Attractions near Cattedrale di Palermo:
- (0.03 mi) Palermo Tour Sharing
- (0.03 mi) Chiesa Maria Santissima di Piedigrotta
- (0.03 mi) Cassaro Alto
- (0.03 mi) Teatro dei Pupi - Famiglia Argento
- (0.03 mi) Lapide in memoria di Carlo Alberto dalla Chiesa
Cattedrale di Palermo Information
| Excellent Reviews | 4,942 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 2,690 |
| Cattedrale di Palermo Photos | 8,982 |


































































































