MONREALE, SICILY: WONDERS OF THE DUOMO DI MONREALE

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COOL THINGS IN JAPAN YOU MUST SEE

The jewel in the crown in this part of the country is Palermo, the capital.

But eight kilometers southwest of Palermo there is another little, can’t-miss gem quietly existing under the radar, Monreale, Sicily — and its star attractions, the Duomo di Monreale.

I read somewhere that the Duomo di Monreale, Sicily, is the greatest advertisement for Christianity in history. I understood that statement when I first saw the magnificent artwork in every corner of the cathedral.

MONREALE, SICILY

Without a doubt, Monreale’s highlight is its 12th-century cathedral, as spectacular as any of the most beautiful churches in Europe. It is an unusual and spectacular combination of Norman, Arab, and Byzantine architecture.

The cloister is unique with a traditional gothic layout but with Arab decorations. 

Several members of the local nobility are buried in the cathedral surrounded by intricately carved marble monuments inlaid with precious stones.

There is a little plaza right outside the Duomo di Monreale, Sicily, with several run-down looking sidewalk restaurants.

It is there that I had the best meal in Southern Italy, a pasta and seafood dish flavored with truffles. The smell alone was worth the price.

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