Palermo
& Monreale
It’s impossible not to visit Palermo. Once a regal capital where peoples very different from one another mingled their cultures. As a result creating a particularly original fusion. The Arab-Norman-Byzantine style of its finest buildings. Discover Palermo’s narrow streets and twisting alleys in the oldest part of the city including the grandeur of the Teatro Massimo Opera House. The city vibrates in the clash between ancient, classic and mostly contemporary life.
from Palermo
Meet Your private local Guide at your hotel and start the day for an absorbing WALKING TOUR (3h). Soak up the atmosphere of the old part of town while you discover the culture and the astonishing sights. Palermo is a many faceted city with as much an unmistakable as enigmatic identity. A combination of aristocratic magnificence and the colorful ways of the common people. Part of the program are also the highlights of the Arab-norman heritage. Admire the Opera House, Martorana Church, Pretoria Square with the Fountain of Shame, the Palatine Chapel inside the Royal Palace, have a look at the Quattro Canti, visit the Cathedral, see Porta Nuova city gate plus a typical market.
Monreale
Board a Premium Mercedes Vehicle for Monreale. On your own visit the Duomo which represents the apotheosis of Norman architecture in Sicily. The Cathedral boasts splendid mosaics from the 12th century. It is part of the World Heritage Arab Norman Period. Built under William II as a result it rivals Saint Sophia in Istanbul. Secondly with Saint Mark’s in Venice in its use of decorative mosaics. It is Romanesque in overall style. The cathedral combines aspects of Arab, Byzantine and Norman architecture.
Drop Off at Your hotel
The Monastery of Monreale was commissioned by William II (1154-89). The last Norman ruler of Sicily. It combines in one project also employment of both Sicilian and Byzantine craftsmen. he highlight of the Cathedral is certainly its interior. Incandescent with the gold of the mosaics. These cover the walls of the navel and aisles. Moreover the transept and apse. As a result 81800 square feet in total.