Palermo Cathedral

The cathedral stretches across its site with two massive towers flanking the main entrance and features a combination of Norman, Gothic, and Classical architectural elements.

Founded in 1185 by Archbishop Walter of the Mill, the cathedral stands on the location of a former Byzantine church that Muslims converted into a mosque.

The cathedral contains royal tombs of Norman kings and German emperors, including Frederick II and Roger II, housed in red porphyry sarcophagi within its walls.

Visitors can access the cathedral daily between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM, with guided tours available to explore the royal tombs and religious artifacts.

The building features a solar observatory from 1801, created by astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi to measure and standardize time calculations in Sicily.

Location: Palermo

Inception: 1185

Founders: Walter of the Mill

Architectural style: Norman-Arab-Byzantine culture, Gothic art, classicism

Elevation above the sea: 40 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access

Part of: Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale

Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele, 490, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy 90134 Palermo

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-17:30

Phone: +39091334373

Website: http://cattedrale.palermo.it

GPS coordinates: 38.11444,13.35611

Latest update: June 29, 2025 10:29