Cathedral

begun 1131


Having completed their conquest of Sicily by about 1091, the Normans began to build churches, importing the Norman style and incorporating elements of the Byzantine and Islamic style, already present in Sicily. This cathedral was built under the patronage of King (Count) Roger the II. It is sometimes defined as "Sicilian Romanesque." (See also the Monreale Cathedral).

The front facade (from 1240)

Two tall towers flank the entrance porch. Norman interlaced arches decorate the facade.
 

The nave and apse




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