Guided itineraries

ust a few kilometers from Palermo’s historic center, on the inner side of the Conca d’Oro, lies the town of Monreale. Thanks to the grandeur of its cathedral, in 2015 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located about 300 meters above sea level, on the slopes of Monte Caputo, Monreale was founded by Norman King William II, who in 1174 moved his residence here from the Royal Palace of Palermo.

The king invested significant resources to create a prestigious archiepiscopal seat, endowed with extensive estates. The construction of the cathedral required immense wealth, and its interior is entirely covered with over 6,000 square meters of stunning Byzantine mosaics, among the most important in the world.

Royal magnificence also extended to the foundation of a large Benedictine abbey. Here visitors can admire a refined cloister: more than 200 paired columns topped with finely carved capitals depicting biblical scenes, allegorical figures, and plant motifs make this space one of the masterpieces of medieval European art.

The visit to the cathedral and cloister is followed by a walk through the characteristic Ciambra district, whose name derives from the French word chambre (“room”). This area likely housed the workers involved in building the cathedral and Benedictine convent. The route through the charming alleys of the Ciambra ends at a panoramic viewpoint, offering a spectacular view of Palermo and the entire gulf.