Monreale cathedral

The cathedral of Monreale lies in Monreale, a small town located 8km south of Palermo on the slope of Monte Caputo. It is considered the finest example of Norman architecture in Sicily, incorporating Norman, Arab, Byzantine and classical elements. Construction of the cathedral was started in 1174 and was completed in 1267. Modifications to the cathedral were made in the 16th and 18th centuries, but the original design was preserved. The cathedral is famous for the breathtaking Byzantine mosaics in its interior and its rich decorations.