Palermo Cathedral, the city's historic and artistic heritage

A little history

An important religious building located in the city's historic centre, Palermo Cathedral has witnessed all the historical events that have taken place since its existence. Its construction dates back to the twelfth century by Archbishop Gualtiero Offamilio, but in reality the cathedral was the third religious building to be constructed on the same site: as early as the fourth century, there was an ancient basilica destroyed by the Vandals and rebuilt by Bishop Vittore in 604. Later, under Arab domination in the 9th century, it was transformed into a mosque: a page from the Koran inside bears witness to this.

The cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is part of the Arab-Norman itinerary, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its architectural style is a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. Today, it is a major tourist attraction and an important centre of worship for the faithful.

The interior of the cathedral

The cathedral has a Latin cross floor plan with three naves divided by pillars. It houses numerous works of art, including the Blessed Sacrament chapel, the Crucifix altar and the chapel of Saint Rosalia, patron saint of the city of Palermo, whose relics are preserved in a precious silver urn. There are also two fonts, a baptismal font and the crown and jewels of Constance of Aragon, which together with other sacred objects make up the cathedral's treasury.

On the floor of the nave, which runs obliquely through it, is a sundial, an instrument built by the astronomer Giuseppe Piazzi to enable citizens to measure time. Construction was completed in 1801, as can be seen from the engraving on the white marble plaque at the foot of the gnomon, a hole in the dome through which light enters and strikes the sundial directly.

You should also visit the royal tombs, which bear witness to Sicily's history and past. Among the most important, that of the first king of Sicily, Roger II, is also the oldest. There is also the temple-shaped sarcophagus of King Henry VI and that of Empress Constance of Altavilla, his wife and the parents of Frederick II. Another remarkable sarcophagus is the white marble tomb of Constance of Aragon, Frederick II's first wife. When you visit the tombs, you will also discover the mystery surrounding the most ornate tomb, that of Frederick II.

The Treasure Room leads to the crypt, which contains the sarcophagi of the archbishops of Palermo, including that of Gualtiero Offamilio, founder of the cathedral. There is also a Roman sarcophagus and a Norman sarcophagus.

After visiting the interior of the cathedral, it's well worth climbing the stairs to the rooftops. From there, you'll have a view over the whole of Palermo and enjoy a magnificent panorama!