CATHEDRAL ~ BASILLICA OF CEFALU

The Cathedral-Basilica of Cefalù, is a Roman Catholic church in Cefalu, Sicily, Italy.  The Duomo dates back to the Norman era and contains some of the best preserved mosaics in all of Sicily.The building of the cathedral was begun by Roger II, the first king of Sicily, in 1131. He commissioned the artists to make the mosaics which it is so famous for and it is believed that his plan was for the entire nave to be covered in mosaics, similar to his Cappella Palatina in Palermo. However, Roger II died before the work was finished and the cathedral wasn’t completed until later.

The facade of the cathedral has two rows of blind arcades and two large bell towers that are slightly different from each other. The nave has arches supported by marble columns that are believed to be from the Temple of Diana whose ruins are up on La Rocca. The wooden ceiling has painted beams and the stained glass windows are more modern in appearance.

Of course, the mosaics are what your eyes are drawn to, high up on the apse and along the choir walls; the colorful tiles on golden background dominate the interior.

Entrance to the cathedral is free; however, please be respectful and remember that this is a house of worship. Proper dress is expected (no bare midriff, shoulders, or short shorts permitted).

Piazza del Duomo

While you are in the Piazza del Duomo, stop at the little corner cafe and pick up a pastry or some gelato.  Heather got pistachio gelato and I had lemon gelato.  A scoop/cup  of gelato throughout Italy was 2 euros.  In case you didn’t know, the price you see on an item is the exact cost.   There is no sales tax added to the purchase price.  There are also no .99¢ added to anything.  Everything is an even number such as 1€, 2€, 3€, etc.