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The Best Cathedrals
Chiesa di Santa Cita/Oratorio del Rosario di Santa Cita (Palermo): The church of Santa Cita, bombed in World War II, is visited mainly for its stunning oratory, representing the crowning architectural achievement of sculptor Giacomo Serpotta, who labored on it between 1686 and 1718. His cherubs and angels are a real romp.
Oratorio del Rosario di San Domenico (Palermo): This 16th-century oratory is the stunning achievement of sculptor and baroque decorator extraordinaire Giacomo Serpotta. To many, it is the equal of the also glorious Santa Cita oratory . Serpotta's stucco designs are among the greatest in southern Italy.
Oratorio di San Lorenzo (Palermo): This is yet another great oratory that shows the magnificent decoration of master sculptor Giacomo Serpotta, who created this masterpiece between 1698 and 1710.
Monreale Duomo (Monreale): This grand cathedral represents the pinnacle of the glory of Arabo-Norman art and architecture. Launched in 1174 by William II, the Duomo is the most stunning of the Norman churches of Sicily, the mosaics in its interior rivaling those of the celebrated Cappella Palatina in Palermo.
Duomo (Cefalu): One of Sicily's most magnificent Norman cathedrals, built by Roger II, stands in this charming little north-coast town. The cathedral is known for its grand array of Byzantine-Norman mosaics, completed in 1148. They are a virtual tour de force of this type of painstaking art.
Duomo (Catania): Dedicated to the martyred St. Agatha, this cathedral was built on the orders of Roger I, the Norman king, and was largely destroyed in the earthquake that devastated Catania in 1693. What was left was redesigned with parts that survived the catastrophe. The great opera composer Bellini is buried here, as are several Aragonese kings.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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