Cattedrale di Monreale, Cathedral complex in Monreale, Italy
Description
The Cattedrale di Monreale is a Norman cathedral in Monreale near Palermo in Sicily. The church stretches 102 meters (335 feet) in length and 40 meters (131 feet) in width, while glass mosaics cover more than 6,500 square meters (70,000 square feet) of interior surfaces.
History
William II of Sicily began construction of this church in 1174 and the main structure was completed in 1267 in the presence of Pope Clement IV. The Norman rulers wanted to demonstrate their power on the island and create a religious center.
Culture
The interior walls display Byzantine mosaics on gold backgrounds, created by artists from Constantinople in the late 12th century. These works combine Norman architecture with eastern design traditions and define the character of the space to this day.
Practical
Access is available for wheelchair users throughout the grounds and the building connects to a cloister laid out in a square pattern. The columns of the cloister carry different decorative elements that can be seen during a walk around.
Did you know?
The bronze doors at the left portal were created in 1179 by Barisano da Trani and show biblical scenes in low relief. Each of the cast panels tells its own story and the details remain well preserved despite their age.
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Sicily combines Greek temples, Roman mosaics, and Norman churches on an island at the crossroads of Europe and Africa. The archaeological sites document over two thousand years of history, from the Doric columns in Agrigento to the Byzantine domes in Palermo. This collection includes the Temple of...
Stone mosaics adorn buildings across continents, offering insights into the artistic traditions of different eras. Roman floor mosaics feature mythological scenes and geometric patterns in villas and public baths. Byzantine wall mosaics in churches depict religious figures using gold tesserae, while...
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