Monreale is a city in Italy, on the island of Sicily. It is almost swallowed up by the suburbs of Palermo. Monreale is home to one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe. Its construction was begun in 1172 by order of King William II, and the design and decoration were drawn from French, Arabic and Byzantine models. Of great interest is the bronze door at the main entrance, where 42 biblical scenes are depicted. Inside, the Cathedral of Monreale is entirely clad in mosaics - some 5,950 square metres in all - which were completed in 1182 by Byzantine and Sicilian craftsmen. To this masterpiece must be added the gallery of the monastery. The quadrangular arches are supported by some 228 identical columns in the Arabic style - with intricate carving and inlay of coloured marble. From the garden facing the monastery you have a magnificent view of Palermo.

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Rating 5 from 1 voted Monreale, Italy