Cathedral of Cefalù — Attraction in Cefalù

Cefalu is a charming town with a sedate and ordered medieval centre, well worth a few hours of your time if you happen to be in Palermo. The town’s main draw is a trio of attractions, modest and unpretentious, yet overwhelmingly appealing. The long ribbon of sand that curves along Cefalu’s creeky harbour makes for a relaxing place to spend your time lazing in the sun or swimming in the clean waters of the bay. The grid of narrows that characterizes Cefalu’s old quarter, discernibly Arabic in origin contains a precious legacy of preserved medieval buildings that are amazingly simple in design, yet out-of-the-ordinary with regard to wall ornamentation, picturesque little balconies and idiosyncratic inner courtyards. But all this is easily forgotten once you reach the quaint medieval town square, a windswept space that marks the midway point of pedestrianized Corso Ruggero. Set high (yes, you have to climb 20 steps to reach its main entrance) above the level of the square is Cefalu’s 12th-century Duomo, a Norman monumental structure with a simple Romanesque facade flanked by two harmonious bell towers. What makes the Cathedral great to look at from the front is more its location than anything else. Rearing up right behind the Cathedral and providing it with a backdrop of unspoilt natural magnificence is a fearsome rugged outcrop of rock, an isolated overhang of lava stone overgrown with half-withered greenery. You can climb up all the way to the top and then walk along the pathways to explore the scrappy fortifications and what remains of the megalithic Temple of Diana. The inside of Cefalu’s Duomo is Byzantine in concept, design and decorations. Simpler but no less spectacular than Monreale’s expanded copy, it is covered with jots of mosaic, the presbytery in particular being a treasure-trove of shimmering gold pieces that become stunningly radiant when illuminated. Towering above the high altar is the mosaic picture of Christ Pantocrator, a lovely mystical half-figure of Christ that is less mighty and colourful than that in Monreale’s Cathedral but perhaps more symbolic and sacred. The oldest cloister in Sicily adjoins Cefalu’s Duomo. Monreale’s grander inner monastic courtyard around which the cloister is built is a facsimile of Cefalu’s. Both are girdled by a roofed arcaded passageway resting on a row of double columns. Cefalu’s cloister which precedes the one in Monreale by half a century is perhaps simpler with regard to sculpted decorative details but undeniably more typical of...

Visiting the Duomo di Cefalù is an unforgettable experience that belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. This magnificent cathedral, founded in 1131 by King Roger II, stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. 

Perched against the backdrop of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the towering Rocca di Cefalù, the cathedral’s imposing Norman architecture dominates the skyline of this charming medieval town. Its fortress-like façade, flanked by twin towers, exudes a sense of strength and grandeur that captivates visitors upon arrival.

Stepping inside, one is greeted by an awe-inspiring interior that seamlessly blends various artistic influences. The highlight is undoubtedly the stunning Byzantine mosaics adorning the apse, particularly the majestic depiction of Christ Pantocrator. These mosaics, among the finest in Italy, shimmer with gold and intricate detail, reflecting the divine artistry of their creators.

The cathedral’s significance extends beyond its architectural and artistic marvels. In 2015, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the “Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale,” underscoring its cultural and historical importance. 

Surrounding the cathedral, the Piazza del Duomo offers a delightful space to relax and soak in the ambiance. Lined with quaint cafés and bustling with local life, it’s the perfect spot to savor a Sicilian espresso while admiring the cathedral’s façade bathed in the warm glow of the Mediterranean sun.

The town of Cefalù itself is a gem waiting to be explored. With its narrow cobblestone streets, picturesque beaches, and a rich history that echoes through its ancient walls, Cefalù invites visitors to immerse themselves in its timeless charm. Whether you’re capturing the perfect photograph, delving into the local cuisine, or simply wandering through its enchanting alleys, Cefalù offers an experience that lingers in the heart long after the journey ends.

In conclusion, the Duomo di Cefalù is not merely a site to visit but an experience to cherish. Its unparalleled beauty, historical depth, and the vibrant life that surrounds it make it a destination that truly stands among the world’s most...

The cathedral was erected between 1131 and 1240 in the Norman architectural style, the island of Sicily having been conquered by the Normans in 1091. According to tradition, the building was erected after a vow made to the Holy Saviour by the King of Sicily, Roger II, after he escaped from a storm to land on the city's beach. The building has a fortress-like character and, seen from a distance, it dominates the skyline of the surrounding medieval town. It made a powerful statement of the Norman presence.

The cathedral is preceded by a large terraced parvis, which was originally a cemetery. According to tradition, it was created with earth brought from Jerusalem, which was believed to have qualities that caused the rapid mummification of corpses.[citation needed]

The façade is characterized by two large Norman towers with mullioned windows, each surmounted by a small spire added in the 15th century. Each spire is different: one has a square plan surrounded by flame-shaped merlons, the latter symbolizing the Papal authority and the mitre; the other has an octagonal plan and Ghibelline merlons, symbolizing the royal and temporal power.

The 15th-century portico has three arches, the two outer being pointed, supported by four columns and vaulting ribs. Under the portico is the Porta Regum (Kings' Door), with a finely decorated marble portal flanked by wall paintings.

The interior of the cathedral is on the Latin cross plan, divided into a nave and two aisles by arcades of antique columns: fourteen in pink granite and two in cipolin. The bases and capitals are from the 2nd century AD. Two large capitals supporting the triumphal arch of the nave were probably made by an Sicilian workshop in the...