Church of Saint John of the Hermits, Palermo

The Church of Saint John of the Hermits is located south of the Royal (Norman) Palace in Palermo. In the 6th century it was inhabited by the Benedictine order, and in 1132 it was remodelled by the Norman King Ruggero II. In the courtyard he built a church with five domes, those seen today. Arab architects are believed to have been employed to raise it. Now the Church of Saint John of the Hermits is an idyllic place for relaxation and meditation in busy Palermo.