Photo by Ziegler175. Monreale, a village about 10 km from Palermo, has become world famous above all for its beautiful Cathedral.
In 2015, Monreale was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To visit the town and its main attractions at leisure, consider at least a full day. Here, then, is a small guide to Monreale: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening.
What to see in Monreale
1 - Piazza Vittorio Emanuele
Photo by José Luiz. The town's main square, or rather, the first one you encounter on entering the town. It is overlooked by the cathedral and in the centre is the famous marble fountain known as the Triton Fountain, the work of Palermo sculptor Mario Rutelli, who made it in 1881.
The marble basin has a circular shape, and in the centre is the figure of a man standing on the rocks, Triton, who with a heroic gesture and superhuman strength overcomes the fury of the dragons that emerge from the waters and trample them underfoot. The work symbolises the victory of man over brute forces.
2 - Cathedral
Photo by Berthold Werner. Together with the adjoining monastery, it is the symbol of Monreale. The Cathedral of Monreale is part of the World Heritage of Humanity and can be included in the list of the most important medieval churches in the world. It is no coincidence that tourists come from all over the world to admire it.
The exterior features a main façade set inside two asymmetrical towers of different heights and shapes; the back, which features the convexity of the three apses with three levels of interlaced arches enriched with polychrome decorations, is an admirable example of Arab art. Crossed the threshold, here is the magic, a riot of mosaics that rival, in beauty and quantity, those of the Palatine Chapel in Palermo.
Given its importance and complexity, a guided tour of the cathedral with a focus on the magnificent golden mosaics is highly recommended.
Hours: Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 5pm, Sunday and public holidays 8am to 10pm and 2.30pm to 5.30pm
Ticket price: €4.00
3 - Monastery of St Benedict
Adjacent to the Cathedral is the Monastery of San Benedetto, another unmissable gem of Monreale. The cloister of the monastery is in the most traditional conformation of the building. It has a square plan in Romanesque style and is characterised by splendid twin columns, some in Arabic style. In the centre of the cloister is a wonderful garden with a palm-shaped fountain from whose leaves water flows.
In this monastery, first William I and then his successor, housed the monks they had called to oversee the cathedral itself. Abbot Theobald himself became the first archbishop of the new archdiocese.
Hours: Monday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday and holidays 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Ticket price: €4.00
4 - Cathedral Mosaics
The jewel in the crown of Monreale Cathedral are the famous mosaics that cover its interior. Over 130 Byzantine mosaics depicting episodes from the Old Testament, the New Testament and the lives of the saints, divided into cycles according to the story they tell. They are gold mosaics, commissioned by William II, and made by Venetian craftsmen in the Byzantine style.
The most important mosaic is the Christ Pantocrator, in the centre of the church, in the apse. This huge mosaic creates a visual effect with the light outside that leaves one speechless. The mosaics are meant to represent the wealth and power that the Kingdom of Sicily achieved during Norman rule. Very interesting is the depiction of the English bishop Thomas Beckett, opponent of King Henry II, never depicted in any other Italian church.
5 - Belvedere
Photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra. Behind the Town Hall is the Belvedere, a garden from which one can appreciate the famous Conca d'Oro. The latter is so called because of its fruits that turn golden when illuminated by the sun (the most famous is the late mandarin).
The panorama is truly unique and offers colourful scenery of typical Mediterranean shades.
The garden was closed for seven years due to a collapse and, in this state of neglect, vandals had taken it by storm. Fortunately, today, the green area and the romantic balcony have been returned to Sicilian citizens and tourists, following in-depth engineering and geological studies that ensured the safety of the area, as well as the work of generous volunteers.
6 - Diocesan Museum
A stone's throw from the cathedral and located inside the Archbishop's Palace, this museum is the city's most important museum centre.
It houses collections of frescoes, paintings, masterpieces of sacred art and several important pieces of Christian history.
It is spread over three floors with several exhibition rooms. We absolutely recommend seeing the Roano Chapel, which preserves objects from the ancient goldsmith's art of Sicily, and the Renaissance Room, on the first floor, which is frequented by tourists not only for the marvellous works on display but also for the panoramic view of Monreale Cathedral.
How to get there: Via Arcivescovado 8, 1 min walk from the Cathedral - Get directions
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am-1pm and 2.30pm-5.30pm, closed Sundays
Ticket price: €4.00
7 - Ciambr'Art
A more unique than rare district that gets its name from the large number of workshops and small shops displaying handcrafted works of art. A veritable open-air museum made up of narrow alleys and stone houses.
Among these streets you can breathe in the history of the city, because it was here that artists and workers who collaborated on the construction of the famous Duomo lived.
170 m from the Duomo via Via Arcivescovado, Via d'Acquisto/SP69 and Via Piave - Get directions
8 - Church of the Holy Crucifix or Collegiate Church
For the inhabitants of Monreale, it is themost important church inthe city because it houses the 17th century crucifix(Crucifix with the 'Patruzzu amurusu') that saved the inhabitants from the plague.
Every year, during the first three days of May, the feast ofthe Holy Crucifix is celebrated, the most heartfelt feast by the faithful of Monreale, who gather in procession to honour the saint.
Less than a kilometre from the cathedral, the church is easily accessed via a flight of steps.
How to get there: 850 metres from the Cathedral (3 minutes on foot) via SP69 and Via Palermo - Get directions
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am-12:30pm and 4pm-7pm, Sunday 9am-12:30pm
Ticket price: free
9 - Acqua Park
A fun water park covering an area of over 22,000 square metres, this is the perfect place to spend a day of relaxation and fun. A riot of swimming pools and many other fun facilities, including slides, kamikaze, giant balloon, multi-track, tobogans, children's shell pool, children's oasis and much more.
The many facilities include a bar, changing rooms, car parks and a self-service restaurant.
We also recommend attending the pool dances organised every Saturday evening.
How to get there: on Strada Provinciale di Pezzingoli, 172; from Palermo going up C.so Calatafimi continue along S.S. 186 towards Pioppo, at Km 10+600 turn left, then follow the signs - Get directions
Hours: 1 June to 30 September daily 9:30am-6pm
Ticket price: €5.00 to €15.00 depending on the season
10 - San Martino delle Scale
Photo by Ziegler175. On the outskirts of Monreale stands San Martino delle Scale, one of the town's many hamlets. It stands at 589 metres above sea level and has 440 inhabitants. Immersed in a mountainous and wooded landscape, it is a particularly popular place for the people of Palermo to spend their holidays, thanks to the coolness it offers in the summer season.
The main attraction is the monumental aggregate that includes the Benedictine monastery and the abbey basilica of San Martino delle Scale, from which it takes its name. The structures house the academy of fine arts, a restoration school and a shop selling select articles. Peculiarity: the buildings are not concentrated in a single urban agglomeration but are scattered among the dense woods.
10.3 km (18 min by car) via Via Regione Siciliana - Get directions
One-day itinerary in Monreale
Photos by Rabe. Start the day with a good breakfast at Mirto Giovanni Dal 1971. and dedicate the morning to the jewels of Monreale: the Cathedral with its splendid mosaics and the delightful Benedictine cloister. Given the prestige and artistic importance of the sites, we strongly recommend an in-depth visit with an authorised guide to better appreciate its beauty and better contextualise it in history.
Have lunch at Le Barrique (€20.00) and, after lunch, visit the Diocesan Museum. Then head into the folkloric Ciambr'Art quarter, a veritable open-air art gallery. Stroll through the narrow streets, admire the medieval houses and browse the many craft shops in search of some typical souvenirs. In the late afternoon, reach the Belvedere area; enjoy a relaxing stroll through the gardens and, above all, admire the wonderful panorama, which is even more impressive at sunset.
End the day with dinner at the nearby Il Giardino Degli Aranci (€30.00).
Excursionorganised from Palermo: an excursion is available from Palermo that allows you to visit the two cities of Monreale and Cefalù, and their respective cathedrals, together on the same day. The tour includes a guide and transfer service. Find more information here.
One-day itinerary at a glance
Cathedral - opening hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am-1pm and 2:30pm-5pm, Sun and holidays 8am-10pm and 2:30pm-5:30pm - ticket cost: €4.00
Benedictine Cloister - opening hours: Mon-Sat 8:30-13:00 and 14:30-17:00, Sun and holidays 8:00-10:00 and 14:30-17:30 - ticket price: €4.00
Lunch at Le Barrique
Museo Diocesano - opening hours: Mon-Sat 9:00-13:00 and 14:30-17:30, Sun closed - ticket cost: €4.00
Cimbr'Art - opening hours: always accessible - ticket cost: free
Belvedere - opening hours: always accessible - ticket cost: free
Dinner at Il Giardino Degli Aranci
Where to eat in Monreale
Le Barrique: Small wine bar behind the Duomo that also offers beers and quality food with exclusively km0 products
Average price per person: €20.00
Address and contacts: via arcivescovado, 4(Get directions) / tel: 393 558 0298Ciambra Restaurant: Refined and elegant dishes made with fresh fish
Average price per person: €40.00
Address and contacts: via Benedetto d'Acquisto, 18 (Getdirections) / tel: 091 6406717Taverna del Pavone: Traditional dishes with a touch of originality
Average price per person: €25.00
Address and contacts: vicolo pensato, 18 (Getdirections) / tel: 091 640 6209Il giardino degli aranci: restaurant with a view of the Duomo, simple but quality cuisine
Average price per person: €20.00
Address and contact details: Via Torres, 38(Get directions) / tel: 091 640 2573Bricco e Bacco: selection of meat from all over the world in a well-kept restaurant
Average price per person: €15.00
Address and contact details: Via B. d'Acquisto, 13 (Get directions) / tel: 091 641 7773
What to do in the evening: nightlife areas and best clubs
Monreale is not what you might call a place to stay late at night. The only attraction, at certain times of the year, is Monreale by night, the extraordinary opening of the cathedral and cloister during the evening hours. Not exactly what one would imagine of typical movida activities!
In Monreale, you can certainly spend a romantic pre-evening enjoying an aperitif and a good dinner in one of the many clubs in town. For late-night fun, perhaps even clubbing, then you need to move to nearby Palermo where there is no shortage of cocktail bars, multiplex discos, traditional beer gardens and modern pubs, concentrated especially in certain districts such as Vucciria, Kalsa, Borgo Vecchio and Mondello.
Vintage Enoteca Bistrot: a very small but comfortable place with a view. Excellent cocktails and rich accompanying board
Address: via d'acquisto, 26(Get directions)Bar del Sole: simple place right on the square in front of the Duomo. perfect for an aperitif accompanied by local delicacies such as arancini, pane cunzatu and panelle
Address: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, 22(Get directions)Caffè Savoia: in front of the wonderful panorama of the Conca d'oro, thiscafé is especially recommended for those who love good wine and refined ingredients
Address: via d'Acquisto, 23 (Getdirections)Osteria Peper's Pub: dinner, aperitifs and after dinner. typical local cuisine and good drinks often accompanied by live music.
Address: via Cappuccini n 6\10 (Getdirections)Birrificio Indemburg SAS: craft beer accompanied by good food
Address: Via Circonvallazione, 87 (Getdirections)
Plan your stay in Monreale: info and tips
How to get there: from Palermo, take Corso Calatafimi to the city exit, take the SS 186 and then the SP 69 to Monreale; alternatively, Bus 389P from Palermo Indipendenza-Palazzo Reale to Fontana Del Drago (30 min, €2.00). The terminus is about 600 m away and the square can be reached on foot in 8 min.
How to get around: the centre of the village is small, it is easy to get around on foot
Where to park: coming from the provincial road, instead of reaching the centre, follow the parking sign. It is a large square controlled by the municipality and connected to the cathedral square by a flight of steps - Get directions
Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €45.00 per room - see offers
What to see nearby: Palermo, Mondello, Cefalù, San Martino delle Scale, Bosco della Ficuzza
