Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale

Map

The Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale: A Unique Blend of Cultures

The Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale, collectively inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, offer a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural history of Sicily. These architectural marvels, located along the northern coast of the island, represent a unique fusion of Western, Islamic, and Byzantine influences that shaped the region during the Norman kingdom's reign (1130-1194).

More to come…

UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

Located on the northern coast of Sicily, Arab-Norman Palermo includes a series of nine civil and religious structures dating from the era of the Norman kingdom of Sicily (1130-1194): two palaces, three churches, a cathedral, a bridge, as well as the cathedrals of Cefalú and Monreale. Collectively, they are an example of a social-cultural syncretism between Western, Islamic and Byzantine cultures on the island which gave rise to new concepts of space, structure and decoration. They also bear testimony to the fruitful coexistence of people of different origins and religions (Muslim, Byzantine, Latin, Jewish, Lombard and French).

Encyclopedia Record: Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale

The Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale are a series of nine religious and civic structures located on the northern coast of Sicily dating from the era of the Norman Kingdom of Sicily (1130-1194): two palaces, three churches, a cathedral, and a bridge in Palermo, as well as the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale. They have been designated together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This dedication took place in 2015.

Read more on Wikipedia