10km (6 miles) SW of Palermo

On the Mons Regalis overlooking the Conca d'Oro (the Golden Valley), this hilltop village would be just another of the many that dot this fertile area south of Palermo -- that is, if it weren't for its majestic Duomo (cathedral) that is one of the greatest medieval treasures. The interior with over 6,400 sq m (53,820 sq ft.) of mosaics has no rivals in the world. Those who dismiss Monreale as "just another church with mosaics" are subjected to the old local saying: "To come to Palermo without having seen Monreale is like coming in like a donkey and leaving like an ass."