Introduction to Monreale

10km (6 miles) SW of Palermo

This hilltop town has one of the greatest cathedrals in all of Italy and a panoramic view over the bay, Conca d'Oro. In the distance you can see the rise of Palermo.

During Norman rule, the kings chose Monreale as their royal hunting ground. When William II launched the celebrated cathedral and attached a royal residence and a monastery to it, Monreale was put on the maps of the world.

Since that time, pilgrims from virtually everywhere have flocked here to see this wonder. Even if you have to miss all the other sights in the Palermo environs, try to schedule 2 or 3 hours to make the trek to Monreale. It dwarfs other sights in this area and is, in fact, one of the major attractions of southern Italy.