Mezzomorreale Page Two

                                      CATHEDRAL (CATTEDRALE) MONREALE 

   This show place of Palermo was built in the 12th Century by William 11 as a way to show that he was the powerful King of Sicily. It is one of the premier attractions in all of Europe. Fine example of Norman architecture but also Byzantine, Arabic and classical elements.The entire interior is covered with gilded mosaics that are painted to portray scenes from the Old and New Testament. The inside height is unbelievable. This stands at the top of the hill above Palermo past Mezzomorreale.

At the side of Monreale Cathedral is the Cloisters. A Benedictine Abbey with 228 columns decorated with different mosaics, many of them gold. What a thrill to see these stunning works of art and realize that our ancestors probably viewed them also.

This is the central doorway to Monreale, made of copper by the famous Bonnano Pisanowith 42 pictures from Bible stories. That is Marlene with our Italian Amicos (friends), Orsola and Massimo. They took us here in Massimo’s car, he was a very good driver.

The decorative exterior is made from lava stone and tufa inlays with mosaic designs.It was completed in only 10 years ! It is so massive we couldn’t get it all in one picture.

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The photo on the right was shared with us in Octomber when we visited Marlene's cousin Michelle Cykper in New Wilmington, Pa.The groom was son of a member of their Church, who was in Palermo, Italy studing to be a doctor!! Click on it to expand to full size!