Cattedrale di Palermo
Cattedrale di Palermo
4.5
About
This cathedral was started in 1185 by the norman archbishop Gualtiero Offamilio. You can visit the Royal and Imperial tomb of Frederik the II, the urn with the relics of the patron Saint of Palermo Santa Rosalia, plus a treasury with a precious medieval crown and a crypt from the VII century. The church is free to enter, there is a ticket to access the monumental area composed by royal tombs, treasury, crypt and the roof.
Duration: < 1 hour
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- SaleDamcSale, United Kingdom460 contributionsWell worth the moneyAn impressive building, standing in pleasant gardens, the cathedral itself if free to enter and surprising subdued inside, in terms of decoration. For 15 euros, you can buy a ticket which allows entry to the roof, crypt, Bishops museum and another museum, which is over the road from the cathedral. The views from the roof are fantastic but anyone with mobility issues may struggle to get up and down. The larger of the 2 crypts is well worth a visit and overall, a definite 'must do' in Palermo.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 29 October 2023
- Dmitrii MarinkevichManosque, France268 contributionsFew min walk from the port. Worth visitingWe visited Palermo for 1 day by cruiser and had great chance to see the cattedrale di Palermo. Walk around and take few photos. Sit inside and pray. Some areas are not accessible, but it was not an issue.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 November 2023
- Angelo ZCrawford, Texas333 contributionsImpressive Cathedral.The cathedral is an impressive and impossing blend of Arab, Norman,Gothic and Baroque. The inside shares some of the same influences, there is much to see. There are different chapels, crypts and what’s called the treasury. You can also go on the roof but it’s very narrow. The park outside is a great place to people watch.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 1 January 2024
- LostInTimePittsburgh, Pennsylvania23,050 contributionsGiant old churchI thought this church was quite beautiful. It’s very large and the interior is very impressive. I like old churches and this one did not disappoint. There is also a display inside for a priest that was killed by the mafia for giving people hope.Visited April 2024Travelled on businessWritten 4 April 2024
- Ana VEugene, Oregon655 contributionsBe sure to climb to the top!The outside of the cathedral is very beautiful. Be sure to get a ticket to climb up to the roof. There are two levels you can explore on the way up. Be sure to do the lower one first since you cannot go back. The stairway in the tower is quite medieval. This is quite the experience and the views are great.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 April 2024
- Seeking True QualityEurope4,803 contributionsThe final resting place of four Norman rulersWhen our group arrived, this cathedral was closed, so our guide could tell its history only in the courtyard, highlighting its unique architecture! The church was built in 1185. Certain elements of the corner towers were added in the XV. and XVI. century and during the late XVIII. century it got its neoclassical appearance. During our previous visit, we were inside the cathedral and were somewhat disappointed with its interior - but we saw the four main sarcophagi of the Norman rulers of Sicily.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 April 2024
- Dmitrii MarinkevichManosque, France268 contributionsFew min walk from the port. Worth visitingWe visited Palermo for 1 day by cruiser and had great chance to see the cattedrale di Palermo. Walk around and take few photos. Sit inside and pray. Some areas are not accessible, but it was not an issue.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 May 2024
- pfefmeisterSan Francisco, California4,373 contributionsPalermo GemWe walked to the Cathedral from the cruise ship, which was an adventure in itself. This architectural gem is magnificent from the outside, and even better on the inside. However, they allow too many tourists at the same time, so it’s crowded. I opted to climb up to the roof for 7 euros, which was just ok. Nice views, but just a narrow walkway that you spend maybe 10 minutes on. The four crypts at the bottom are just so-so. Still, worth the walk through historic Palermo.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 June 2024
- Glaswegian HeartGlasgow, United Kingdom51 contributionsGood historical cathedral with good roof viewsThe cathedral is beautiful on approach and inside. We paid a very reasonable price (€12) to see the tombs, sacristy and the roof. The roof was a short steep climb but good views once you got up there. Good for getting your bearings of the city.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 July 2024
- ProwanderSan Francisco, California452 contributionsBeautiful cathedralBeautiful Cathedral that is free to visit. We skipped the paid portion including the museum. The building and grounds are fantastic. Had lunch nearby at a charming restaurant called Ristorante La Galleria.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 July 2024
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Israel R
Ra'anana, Israel16,761 contributions
Jul 2019
The location of the large and impressive building of the Palermo Cathedral is the place where a basilica was built in early Christianity and with the Muslim conquest of Sicily on the ruins of the Basilica a Muslim mosque was built, many Muslim motifs have survived to date and can be seen in several places in the Cathedral. The cathedral is rich in exceptionally large and remarkably interesting variety of works of art from different historical periods.
Roof climbing provides the climbers a wonderful rooftop views of Palermo. Sunset hours are highly recommended. “NOT 2 B MISSED”
Roof climbing provides the climbers a wonderful rooftop views of Palermo. Sunset hours are highly recommended. “NOT 2 B MISSED”
Written 28 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Legate
United Kingdom21,892 contributions
Jul 2020
Palermo Cathedral is an immense structure situated in the Centro Storico area of the city, I was amazed by the sheer scale of the building when I first saw it. The cathedral was created in 1185 by Walter Ophamil who was the Anglo-Norman archbishop of Palermo at the time. There is a mixture of architectural styles with additions and extensions that were added after the original building was completed. I visited shortly after the Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed, it was very quiet when I was there in July 2020 but most of the attractions within the cathedral were accessible. I spent a while inside the cathedral which was truly stunning and wished I had the time to stay longer. It is a place that must be explored whilst in Palermo.
Written 19 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donald K
Edmonton, Canada1,174 contributions
Oct 2022
The main portions in the church were very busy but the bishop's quarters in the attached building was full of artworks and pieces of interest and had very few visitors. The walkway seemed a bit touristy in that the line and wait for your turn to climb the stairwell took longer than the actual viewing on top.
Might as well pay for the complete package since it is hard to guess what you will like the most. Although another option is to view what is free, which is also a fair bit.
Might as well pay for the complete package since it is hard to guess what you will like the most. Although another option is to view what is free, which is also a fair bit.
Written 21 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OLenany
Brooklyn, NY1,179 contributions
Sept 2022 • Family
The history of Sicily is so complicated. It’s been under different rulers and religion.
This Cathedral is absolutely amazing, beautiful. It’s definitely worth it to take a ticket that includes all the attractions, including the roof, where you can see a panoramic view of the city. Just keep in mind that the stairs to the roof are very narrow ,
The adjacent building is the one where the bishops live. Totally worth visiting
This Cathedral is absolutely amazing, beautiful. It’s definitely worth it to take a ticket that includes all the attractions, including the roof, where you can see a panoramic view of the city. Just keep in mind that the stairs to the roof are very narrow ,
The adjacent building is the one where the bishops live. Totally worth visiting
Written 23 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryszard L
Sydney, Australia328 contributions
May 2019
This is a stunning mixture of styles. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it was started in 1184 AD ( the architect, William Ophamil is entombed in the crypt) and is a mixture of Norman, early Gothic, a touch of Baroque, Catalan and Islamic. To top it off, the dome is 18th century! The Treasury is well worth a visit and the tombs of Sicily's kings are here. Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen is here along with his wife, Constance of Aragon, whose Imperial Diadem is on display in the Treasury. The chapel of Santa Rosalia has a rich ornamental bronze gate and contains many relics. The lapis lazuli in the Sacrament chapel is quite stunning as is the silver altarpiece. The cathedral also boasts a meridian, an early type of heliometer which is well worth seeing.
Written 30 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chrissy
Adelaide, Australia229 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Roman Catholic Church in Palermo, Sicily. It comprises of different styles due to the ‘add ons’ during its history. UNESCO historical site. Beautiful inside. We paid 7 Euros each to got onto the roof and see the burial tombs. The climb to the roof was easy, not that many steps but in the obviously small, spiral staircase. There is no entrance onto the roof in the rain. They allow a certain amount of people into the roof each time , let them down and the next go up. It was worthwhile. Entrance into the Cathedral itself was free.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josh Formentera
Copenhagen, Denmark567 contributions
Jul 2020
A great example of Arab-Norman Palermo architecture style. The church is very beautiful both inside and outside an amazing religious architecture. A very classic art of work that I admired very much specially the Islamic style geometric composition of 12 roundels that show fruit, humans all kind of animals. The Cosmati geometric mosaics floor was also beautiful to see inside the church and beautifully preserved artwork. On the top roof of the church not to be miss to see, there is an impressive view of the city of Palermo and it is great for photography.
Written 20 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nikolay V
Sofia, Bulgaria76 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
One of the most significant place in Palermo! There is a nice garden in front of the cathedral. The entrance is free but if you want to have a tour inside the cathedral and see Palermo from above you can buy a ticket. Amazing place you must visit!
Written 30 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ANGELO V
Milan, Italy4,742 contributions
Nov 2022
There are several sections in the Cathedral of Palermo, and you need a ticket to visit each of them. Tickets are sold separately, but cumulative tickets are also available.
Sections are: Royal Tombs, Treasury, Crypt, Basements, Apses and Roofs: I visited everything apart from the roofs (hundreds of stairs to climb).
On approaching the Cathedral you see a wonderful building in a warm sandstone colour, originally built in 1185. The church interiors were redone during the 18th century, and they're quite disappointing.
The Royal Tombs are those of Norman rulers of Sicily, among them the tomb of Frederick II of Swabia.
The Treasury has several religious art pieces.
The Crypt hosts several burials of noblemen and clergy, and it also has the royal crown of Constance of Aragon, an exquisite jewel in gold and precious stones.
Sections are: Royal Tombs, Treasury, Crypt, Basements, Apses and Roofs: I visited everything apart from the roofs (hundreds of stairs to climb).
On approaching the Cathedral you see a wonderful building in a warm sandstone colour, originally built in 1185. The church interiors were redone during the 18th century, and they're quite disappointing.
The Royal Tombs are those of Norman rulers of Sicily, among them the tomb of Frederick II of Swabia.
The Treasury has several religious art pieces.
The Crypt hosts several burials of noblemen and clergy, and it also has the royal crown of Constance of Aragon, an exquisite jewel in gold and precious stones.
Written 1 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happy Days
Durban, South Africa45 contributions
Dec 2022
The Palermo cathedral is lovely, both on the outside and interior. The honey-coloured stonework gives the whole building a warm and pleasant feel to it. There is much to see on the inside, and once you have had a good look, I would recommend sitting in the piazza, with a gelato from a little place just across the road from the cathedral.
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Si per chi dovesse essere utile mi hanno detto di sì in braccio direttamente da chi si occupa della cattedrale
Written 11 August 2022
Bonjour, combien de temps dure la visite svp? Merci
Written 1 November 2021
Si vous faites la visite totale:cripte, trésor, toit et édifice plus le musée il faut compter 1h30 au moins.
Written 2 November 2021
¿ Se pueden hacer fotos ?
Written 29 October 2020
tanti almeno una sessantina e sono stretti e scivolosi...bisogna avere delle ottime ginocchia
Written 27 December 2019
Bonjour
La cathédrale se visite t-elle le Dimanche ?
Merci
Written 16 September 2018
Oui.
Visitée hier dimanche 11 août 2019.
Written 12 August 2019
hello, we are going to palermo for only a day and want to go to mondelo beach so we don't have much time to visit the city. if having to choose, is it better catedrale di palermo or norman palace? we are also on a low budget so really need to choose just one!
Written 29 July 2018
If you have to choose; Norman Palace, there is only one, cathedrals there are many all over the world. BR. Jan
Written 31 July 2018
es necesario sacar la entrada por internet o se puede adquirir en la boletería? estaremos en palermo para fines de abril
Written 18 February 2018
Sie können die Kathedrale frei besichtigen. Wenn Sie noch die Gräber vom Friedrich II besichtigen wollen, dann müssen Sie zusätzlich zahlen. Der Zugang zu Kathedrale ist ohne Gebühr.
Written 22 March 2018
Buongiorno c'è un parking adiacente alla cattedrale?quanto tempo occorre per visitarla 'eventualmente mi suggerite un'itinerario vicino da poter fare 8no tour de force?
Written 1 January 2018
Parking nelle vicinanze non so, siamo nel centro storico di Palermo, consigliabile girare a piedi.
Percorso turistico nelle vicinanze:
tutta Via Vittorio Emanuele da Porta Marina a Porta Nuova, con piccole deviazioni e brevi soste a:
- Piazza della Marina,
- Porto turistico (Via Cala),
- incrocio con Via Roma (sguardo a destra e a sinistra, da tenere per un prossimo itinerario);
- incrocio con Via Maqueda (l'altro asse della vecchia città romana) detto dei "4 canti" --> deviazione imposta per piazza Pretoria (20m, Fontana Pretoria) e piazza Bellini (altri 50 m) con visita alla chiesa della Martorana e di San Cataldo;
- ritorno ai 4 canti;
- proseguire verso la Cattedrale (sguardo da fuori, poco tempo per la visita)
- Proseguire per la Villa Boxano (parco che fronteggia il palazzo dei Normanni (che custodisce la cappella Palatina e che di per sé merita una visita (vedi altra ia recensione)
Written 2 January 2018
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