See Palermo's Stunning Cathedral

Palermo Cathedral was founded on the site of a Muslim mosque, which in turn had replaced an Early Christian basilica in 1184 by the Archbishop of Palermo. His aim was to create something more astounding than the cathedral at Monreale nearby and so a competition broke out between the two cathedrals which became known as the “Battle of the Two Cathedrals”. It is still debatable as to who the winner was but the cathedral at Palermo is stunning in its own right. A fantastic example of the Arab-Norman architecture that is awaiting news on UNESCO status and which is one of the defining characteristics of the city, it is a must-see for any with a love of Western churches, Islamic architecture and Byzantine mosaics as it sees all three combined.

Find a luxury villa in Sicily and make a trip to the cathedral for yourself.

The original Norman structure has been changed over the years, in the 13th and 14th centuries the exterior was given a Gothic veneer. In the late 18th and early 19th century, it was altered inside and out with Neoclassical elements. The apses retain their original geometric decoration which speaks of the rich multi-cultural heritage of Sicily. The presbytery is the oldest existing part of the building and is made up of three apses between two towers. On the outside it is decorated in the Arabic style with intersecting blind arches and an Islamic-inspired overlay on the south porch.

The cathedral is not merely fascinating and beautiful in its own right but is also home to a rich Treasury which is entered from the south transept. It holds a repository of rich vestments, silverware, chalices, holy vessels, altar cloths, and ivory engravings of Sicilian art of the 17th century.

One of the highlights, and most famous items, in the Treasury is the 12th century crown of Constance of Aragon which was removed from her head and placed on display in the 18th century when her tomb was opened. The strange, cap-like crown is one of many objects removed from the many royal tombs within the cathedral in order to be put on display.

With the periods of alteration, the cathedral at Palermo not only gives visual evidence of the Arab-Norman heritage of Sicily but also shows subsequent styles in architecture. It is steeped in history, final resting place to many kings, home to an astounding treasury and a beautiful sight to behold. Few could be disappointed by a visit to the cathedral so make sure you stop by on your next trip to Sicily.