For a proper vacation in Palermo, you can’t leave without visiting the Cathedral, commonly known as the Duomo, which has always been considered the main place of worship in the city and the episcopal seat. Since July 3, 2015, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalů and Monreale.”
Palermo Cathedral
Palermo Cathedral: History
The structure was built around 1170 during the reign of William II, Archbishop of Palermo, known as Gualtiero Offamilio. His initiative led to the reconstruction of an existing structure that had been severely damaged by the earthquake of 1169.
During the Paleochristian period, a basilica stood on this site, which was destroyed around the mid-5th century during the Vandal persecutions. It was consecrated in 604. During the Saracen occupation, the church was renovated and expanded to be converted into a large mosque. Later, with the arrival of the Normans, the church was restored to its original Christian worship, and Bishop Nicodemus, who had continued to practice in secret during those years, was reinstated.
This ambitious project was made possible by the discovery of a large treasure outside the city walls, which was used for the reconstruction of the church and the Monastery of Santo Spirito.
Palermo Cathedral: Guide
To visit this place properly, it’s important to consider the highlights, and for that, a complete guide, even a virtual one, is necessary. Let’s start with the exterior: as you approach the Cathedral, the first thing you see is the large square with a marble statue dedicated to Santa Rosalia, the city’s patron saint.
Significant features include the arches connecting to the Archbishop’s Palace, the twin-towered façade with battlements, and the entrance portal built in 1426.
Inside, the right nave houses the royal tombs and the chapel dedicated to Santa Rosalia. The sacristy holds the Cathedral Treasury, including sacred furnishings from 1300 to 1700. In the left nave, you’ll find the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, adorned with marble and bronze decorations, including a Madonna and Child by Francesco Laurana.
The central nave features a marble sundial by astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi, with marble inlays depicting zodiac signs illuminated by natural light according to the season. The presbytery has an altar topped by a wooden crucifix, as well as mosaics and bas-reliefs.
Finally, the dome, added after the 1693 earthquake, consists of arches supporting a central drum with eight windows. The ceiling has barrel vaults and a lantern on top, surrounded by 16 smaller domes.
Palermo Cathedral: Hours
To enter the Cathedral, note that there are two areas: the first has free entry, and the second requires a ticket.
- Monday – Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Palermo Cathedral: Curiosities
Among its many features, the Cathedral also houses a 21-meter-long meridian. This instrument measures time through a hole in the dome of one of the lateral naves, projecting the sun along the meridian axis.
