Ancient Ruins • Religious Sites
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Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Palazzo Reale
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Centro Catania
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Palazzo Reale
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Centro Catania
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins
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What travelers are saying
- cavla J13 contributionsThis is a totally must sue adventure when you go to Sicily. We spent two days in Palermo and took the train to Agrigento. We got a taxi to the temples (Who was nice enough to link with us via WhatsApp for a return).
This site is temples of people fro Crete and Rhodes descendants. I stumbled on the videos of the site while looking at YouTube video of Palermo and things to do when deciding whether to visit. These temples sold me immediately as we have not traveled to Greece and closest we have gotten to temples.
There were like school students with music boombox playing loudly but otherwise Highly recommendWritten March 22, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - pppgringaReading, PA21 contributionsThis incredible site takes us back 2000+ years...be sure to have a knowledgeable guide so that you can fully comprehend the magnificence of this pace.Written March 18, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Outofdodge_10Santa Fe, NM1,315 contributionsThe Cattedrale di Palermo (Cathedral of Palermo), as many buildings and sites in Sicily has had many incarnations. It was a Byzantine (eastern half of the Roman Empire - Constantinople, now Istanbul) basilica that was transformed into a mosque in the 9th century by the Saracens Then into a church in 1185. A Gothic portal was added in later centuries, as well as other additions. All of the contributions make this Cattedrale an exceptionally beautiful building. As always, I recommend looking up the rich history before visiting. There is a small, but beautiful square in which to meander.Written March 23, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- oranitros55 contributionsBeautiful powerful exciting attraction. We enjoyed it for about three hours. I could feel the stories of the past through the artWritten February 21, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Outofdodge_10Santa Fe, NM1,315 contributionsI never mind paying for an entrance ticket because I know it will go toward restoration or maintenance. That said, I would visit this palace when in Palermo. The architecture alone is worth the price of admission.Written March 23, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- UstaritzEurope600 contributionsWe visited and spent three nights at this quietly beautiful place. It is more a tourist venue with only 2000 residents than a living town but it is very beautiful and well worth a visit.
There are many beautiful buildings and very good places to eat although in November, a lot of them are closed due to lack of footfall
We were ready to leave after the second night!Written November 14, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Walter CSardegna5 contributionsVery good explanations by the guide, very interesting historical overviews with many details: a must! Also the turtle help center next door is amazing and for children and adults very useful!Written September 2, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Brun066Florence, Italy11,678 contributionsI don't want to just tell (for the umpteenth time) the beauty of the Cathedral of Monreale, and how it affected my soul (I visited it in July 2022, but I had already visited it way back in March 1977) and my esthetic sense. The reflection that this time it has encouraged in me is that it allows, among other things, to cast a glance on the Norman autocracy, on the unchallenged dominion of this monarchy over southern Italy, and on the rapid subsequent decline of its state model.
Historians teach us that between the tenth and eleventh centuries in Europe there were only two "modern" states, in the sense of "absolute", without feudal or local powers contesting them: the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Sicily , both monarchies of Norman origin, therefore descendants of formidable warrior lineages, fierce marauders until a few decades earlier.
Their war organizational skills, put to the benefit of peace works, contribute to building these two "modern" kingdoms, in the sense that in them there is an iron control of the center (the monarch) over local particularisms: in singular contrast with what happens in the rest of Europe, in the same years in the grip of feudal particularisms or place of exercise of city autonomy.
This centralization of powers, if desired, can also be seen in Sicily in the large churches: they are not places in which nascent local autonomies are reflected, but the result of the will of the royal powers or of the powers connected to them. Those real "Palatine chapels" that are Monreale but also Cefalù are of this kind. The so-called Arab-Norman art, which presents an admirable fruit in Monreale, is classified by art historians as a "Romanesque" period: a period which in the rest of Italy saw the flowering of cathedrals of this style, not only splendid (even if overall a little less grandiose than those in Palermo), but numerous, almost one for each city of a certain importance: a clear image of the prosperity of local powers. Think not only of central-northern Italy, of the classic "Italy of Municipalities ”, but also for example to Puglia.
Here, on the other hand, a few, splendid, and macroscopic creations: the marvelous mosaics of the Cathedral of Monreale surpass those of the basilica of San Marco by extension, in a city that was already very rich like Venice at the time. The absolute power of the Norman kings, similar to that of oriental despotisms, can produce this result with ease: how can it involve the transfer in one fell swoop of as many as one hundred Benedictine monks from the abbey of Cava dei Tirreni, near Salerno, to Monreale, for populate the newly formed abbey.
On the other hand, this power of the autocracy will soon end: in the middle of the following XIII century, with the death of Frederick II of Hohenstaufen - heir of the Normans and their monarchic absolutism - and with the passage of Sicily to the Angevin monarchy, the anomaly of Sicily as a "modern state", in Europe, will cease, and "refeudalization" will take over. And on the other hand the energies of the local territorial powers (essentially of the cities) weakened by the Normans, will never recover in Sicily.
For this reason, in my opinion, it is only right that we look at Monreale also as the apogee of a splendid season of history and art in Sicily, destined to have no inheritance.Written February 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ValentinaSouthend-on-Sea, UK9 contributionsThe atmosphere was great! I liked the audio tour at the Cathedral , learned so many new things. In the evening the square looks fantastic as wellWritten March 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AMsaysThornhill, Canada4,021 contributionsThis prominent ancient cathedral in golden hues is a standout from various vantage points around Cefalu. It was commissioned by Norman King Roger II in 1131 after his ship found refuge at this spot during a harrowing storm. Dedicated to Cefalu’s patron saint Santissimo Salvatore della Trasfigurazione (also known as Christ Pantocrator). UNESCO listed, it is famed for its Byzantine-style mosaic of Christ Pantocrator. Besides that, the interior is magnificent in its Latin cross plan combining a trancept, cloister, arches, chapels, distinct altar and apses to create, still, a very solemn space. A must see, in Cefalu.Written December 15, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- mike a33 contributionsThe city square where everyone gathers for gelato and stroll. The church is very interesting and the surrounding area inspiring. Make sure to check out the elephant statueWritten March 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Vanessa PCalgary, Canada1,363 contributionsLocated inside the Vale dei Templi you need to buy tickets to the park if you want to see it close. However, this temple is so majestic and located on the top of a mountain that it is possible to do it from afar. If you decide to go to the park make sure to book a tour or the audio book to listen to and understand its history.Written January 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ANGELO VMilan, Italy2,608 contributionsThe church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, or La Martorana is next to the Norman Church of San Cataldo. Its name comes from Admiral George of Antioch, who founded the church in 1143.
It is characterized by a mixture of styles, due to successive enrichments along the centuries. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale.
The main cupola above the altar has wonderful bizantine mosaics from the 12th century - this is the part I personally liked best.
A side altar in baroque style is also noteworthy.Written December 1, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - YK-UrbinoUrbino, Italy164 contributionsNoto is not only worth a visit, but also a stay. It takes you more than one full day to visit everything, and it is nice to just scroll the city center... some of the nobelty palaces are being recently refurbished and the whole city is undergoing a deep change investing in (hopefully) quality tourism. The substance is there, take this opportunity. Prices are on the rise, hurry up.Written January 11, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Adrian P4 contributionsJust an amazing palace in Palermo city center. Do not miss it if you are staying in the city. The owners are great tooWritten March 16, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sicily
- These experiences are best for sights & landmarks in Sicily:
- Palazzo Conte Federico
- Valley of the Temples Archaeological Area Entrance Ticket
- Enchanted Castle of Sciacca - Museum Tickets
- Diving guided by the Diving Center (with full equipment)
- Mount Etna & Taormina (Full Day Tour)
- These places are best for sights & landmarks in Sicily:
- Palazzo Conte Federico
- Isole dello Stagnone, Sicilia
- Ancient Theatre of Taormina
- Norman Palace
- Cattedrale di Palermo
- These are the best places for kid-friendly sights & landmarks in Sicily:
- Valle dei Templi
- Ancient Theatre of Taormina
- NCC Damiano Tour
- Villaggio Bizantino di Vallone Canalotto
- Amodeo's Farm - Olive Oil Producers in Sicily
- These are the best places for couples seeking sights & landmarks in Sicily:
- Valle dei Templi
- Ancient Theatre of Taormina
- Villaggio Bizantino di Vallone Canalotto
- Amodeo's Farm - Olive Oil Producers in Sicily
- Palazzo Conte Federico
- These are the best places for groups seeking sights & landmarks in Sicily:
- Valle dei Templi
- Ancient Theatre of Taormina
- Villaggio Bizantino di Vallone Canalotto
- Amodeo's Farm - Olive Oil Producers in Sicily
- Palazzo Conte Federico
- These are the best places for budget-friendly sights & landmarks in Sicily:
- Valle dei Templi
- Ancient Theatre of Taormina
- Villaggio Bizantino di Vallone Canalotto
- Amodeo's Farm - Olive Oil Producers in Sicily
- Palazzo Conte Federico
- These are the most romantic places for sights & landmarks in Sicily:
- Valle dei Templi
- Ancient Theatre of Taormina
- Palazzo Conte Federico
- A Rutta ri Ron Carmelu
- Gli Aromi Sicily
- These are the best hidden gems for sights & landmarks in Sicily:
- Villaggio Bizantino di Vallone Canalotto
- Palazzo Conte Federico
- Sicily Horse Tours
- A Rutta ri Ron Carmelu
- Gli Aromi Sicily
- These are the best places for adventurous sights & landmarks in Sicily:
- Sicily Horse Tours
- Castello di Punta Troia
- Chiesa di San Filippo Apostolo
- Grotte bue marino
- Necropoli di Pantalica
- These are the best places for adrenaline seekers looking for sights & landmarks in Sicily:See more sights & landmarks for adrenaline seekers in Sicily on Tripadvisor