Sicily has a long history of having a succession of rulers from a variety of places and cultures. The island was especially influenced by the Islamic conquest of 827AD to 1091AD and the Norman rule of 1071 to 1194. The ideas introduced under these rules and Byzantine influences, led to a multi-ethnic culture that saw Western and Islamic cultures combined in art and architecture among other areas of culture. Palermo, in particular, beautifully reflects this meshing of cultures in her architecture and if you rent a luxury villa in Sicily and you can readily see it for yourself as you explore the city. In fact, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for precisely this reason.
Among the many beautiful Arab-Norman buildings in the city, there is San Giovanni degli Eremiti, an incredible five-domed church on a little hillside in the middle of a rather rundown neighbourhood. Dating to the 6th century, it was converted to a mosque after the Islamic conquest of Sicily and then made back into a Benedictine church in 1136. It was modified over the years but its medieval appearance was reinstated during restorations in the 1880s.
Among the many beautiful Arab-Norman buildings in the city, there is San Giovanni degli Eremiti, an incredible five-domed church on a little hillside in the middle of a rather rundown neighbourhood. Dating to the 6th century, it was converted to a mosque after the Islamic conquest of Sicily and then made back into a Benedictine church in 1136. It was modified over the years but its medieval appearance was reinstated during restorations in the 1880s.
Famous for its brilliant red domes, a nineteenth century addition, the picturesque church is surrounded by a garden of citrus trees, palms, cacti, rosemary bushes and ruined walls and boasts incredible views of the Palazzo dei Normanni. The cloister, which looks out onto this luxurious garden, is the best preserved part of the ancient monastery and has small double columns with capitals decorated in vegetable motifs, reflecting its setting.
If you are exploring the city, it is a charming and peaceful little gem amongst the bustle of busy Palermo.
Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat 9am to 7pm (last entrance 6.30pm)
Sunday & holidays 9am to 1.30pm (last entrance 1pm)
If you are exploring the city, it is a charming and peaceful little gem amongst the bustle of busy Palermo.
Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat 9am to 7pm (last entrance 6.30pm)
Sunday & holidays 9am to 1.30pm (last entrance 1pm)
Tickets:
Full-price €6
Reduced price €3
Free entry on the first Sunday of each month
Full-price €6
Reduced price €3
Free entry on the first Sunday of each month
Photo credits
picture 1: Sibeaster / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Allie_Caulfield / CC BY 2.0
picture 1: Sibeaster / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Allie_Caulfield / CC BY 2.0
