Monreale: what to see and do
Monreale is part of Palermo's Metropolitan City and lies in the Conca d'Oro valley. The town has an elevation of about 310 metres and stands below Monte Caputo, which rises to about 765 metres.
Things to do in Monreale
The cloister was completed in the late 12th century. Its 228 small columns, set in pairs, have carved capitals that differ from one another.
A private half day tour to Monreale and Cefalù from Palermo lasts 6 hours. It includes an air conditioned vehicle with wireless internet, bottled water during the journey, a professional driver who speaks English, a customisable itinerary and all transport between Monreale and Cefalù.
Monreale cathedral
William II of Sicily founded Monreale Cathedral in the 1170s, and a papal bull of 30 December 1174 confirmed it. It became the archbishop's seat in 1183.
The building was planned to serve the neighbouring Benedictine territorial abbey as its church. Its dedication honours the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. The cathedral preserves an example of Norman architecture.
The mosaics cover more than 6,000 square metres and use the Byzantine style. The curved vault of the apse is filled by a bust of Christ Pantocrator. The bronze doors of the north portal were made by Barisano da Trani between 1185 and 1190.
The cathedral entered the World Heritage list on 3 July 2015, as part of Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale.
A private tour from Palermo to Monreale Cathedral and Mondello Beach lasts 4 hours. Included are a private air conditioned vehicle, a professional driver who speaks English, bottled water during the journey, wireless internet on board and information about local history and context.
Monreale and Palermo
From its small promontory, Monreale looks out across Palermo's valley. The UNESCO site extends across Palermo, Cefalù and Monreale and includes buildings dating from the Norman Kingdom of Sicily.
The private full day tour from Palermo to Monreale and Mondello lasts 5 hours. It includes a private driver who speaks English, a private vehicle throughout the tour and a customisable itinerary.
A private tour from Palermo to Monreale, Cefalù and Castelbuono lasts 8 hours. It includes a private vehicle with a dedicated driver throughout, commentary and local information from the driver, fuel and all vehicle costs.
The private tour from Palermo to Monreale, Bagheria and Cefalù lasts 8 hours and includes private transport for the full day and a professional private driver.
The full day Palermo tour with Monreale, markets and Mondello Beach lasts 8 hours. Included are a driver who speaks English for 8 hours, an air conditioned vehicle and all transport between the sites.
The town and its name
People were already visiting the area during the Islamic period. The name Mons Regalis, the origin of the name Monreale, is first recorded in 1183.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Monreale?
Monreale is part of Palermo's Metropolitan City and lies in the Conca d'Oro valley. The town has an elevation of about 310 metres and stands below Monte Caputo, which rises to about 765 metres.
When was Monreale Cathedral begun?
William II of Sicily founded Monreale Cathedral in the 1170s, and a papal bull of 30 December 1174 confirmed it.
What are the mosaics in Monreale Cathedral like?
The mosaics cover more than 6,000 square metres and use the Byzantine style. The curved vault of the apse is filled by a bust of Christ Pantocrator.
What is in the cloister?
The cloister was completed in the late 12th century. Its 228 small columns, set in pairs, have carved capitals that differ from one another.
When did Monreale Cathedral join the World Heritage list?
The cathedral entered the World Heritage list on 3 July 2015, as part of Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale.
