Monreale lies on the outer southern suburbs of Palermo, regional capital of Sicily, which lies in the north-western area of the island. The town is located on the slopes of Mount Caputo, which overlooks the city of Palermo and the beautiful and fertile valley of Conca d’Oro, the Golden Shell, famed for its orange, almond and olive trees, which produce large quantities of fruit and nuts for export. Monreale itself is a major tourist attraction being home to the 12th century Duomo of Santa Maria la Nuova, otherwise known as Monreale Cathedral, which is a National Monument of Italy, and is world famous for its huge mosaics!!
The Cathedral is a dazzling mixture of Saracen, Byzantine and Norman artistic styles, framed in Romanesque architecture. Built by King William II, construction commenced in 1174, when he was only 21 years old to intentionally show the power and riches of the Monarchy, and the sense of rule by divine right, and as a statement of his faith in the Latin Church. The building is particularly important as it houses one of the world’s largest mosaics (6340 square metres), covering practically all of the internal wall’s surfaces from 2 meters and higher. The mosaics are comprised of 130 individual religious scenes, placed upon a background of gold mosaics. Externally the Cathedral is not particularly outstanding from the front entrance, although it does have two massive square bell towers which stand each side of the entrance, and has two huge bronze doors. These doors are decorated with 42 outstanding panels in bas relief, each depicting scenes from the Bible!! Further round the Cathedral has beautiful external decoration on the walls of the Apse which is covered in beautiful intertwined arches with differing stonework.
Adjacent to the Cathedral is the splendid cloisters of the Benedictine Abbey which has 104 pointed arches and 228 twin columns around the interior garden. The columns alternated between plain and colourful mosaics, with each having an individually designed capital, depicting Norman Kings, Knights, Saints, gargoyles, flora motifs, and of course scenes from the Bible. Originally the Abbey was built as a bastion for Christianity, with the whole complex being protected by thick walls and 12 towers, part of which can still be seen. From the grounds of the cloister access can be made to the Belvedere, from where spectacular views over Palermo and the Conca d’Oro can be enjoyed.
If by chance you are touring, take a side trip to see the nearby castle at Castellaccio, also known as the Castle of San Benedetto, which lies approximately 5 kilometres north of Montreale along the steep and windy Via San Martino. The castle is well preserved due to its isolated position being perched on top of Mount Caputa, and was built there due to its great strategic position, being able to protect Palermo from any quarter. The castle, built by the Normans in the 12th century, also offers some of the best views of the surrounding coastline and city locations!! Be aware that after the drive up the hill, there is still a walk to gain access to the castle itself.
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