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The cathedral at Palermo

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4February2012

Located in the town of Palermo in Sicily, Italy, this cathedral was constructed by Walter Ophamil or Walter of the Mill as he was popularly known, in 1185. The cathedral has had a very colourful history. While it was a church at its birth, it was later converted into a mosque and finally became a monument.

It has evolved with the years as every generation has and continues to contribute to its construction. Thus, it features a unique blend of styles of different time periods in its architecture. While its exterior is mostly of the Gothic style, the Catalan style is seen in the works of its south porch and Norman style in the decorative Islamic-inspired overlay.

The dome which is of the 18th century is surrounded by porches which were made and decorated in mostly the 15th and 16th century and to top it off, the campaniles or bell towers of the cathedral date as far back as the 14th century.

The Aragonese coat-of-arms is seen prominently carved on middle portal, over its double lancet. Two soaring towers with a double lancet form the main entrance. A royal pantheon is present inside. Precious objects which are examples of the skill of the craftsmen of different ages are displayed here. The 12th-century cap-like crown of Constance of Aragon is one such artifact, which has been removed from the tombs.

This pantheon also features a number of tombs of Sicily’s kings. Roger II, the first king of Sicily is buried in a beauteous tomb located with five others on the right.

The Treasury (Tesoro) is a repository of rich vestments, silverware, chalices, holy vessels, altar cloths, and ivory engravings which display the skill of the Sicilian craftsmen of 17th century.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Palermo

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19January2012

The city of Palermo takes pride in its architectural heritage which has managed to survive over the years despite various foreign invasions. Among the various historic religious buildings which tourists prefer on their sightseeing itineraries is the Palermo’s magnificent cathedral (cattedrale), more properly known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. The cathedral is open daily from 09:00 to 17:30 (crypt) and 09:30 to 17:30 (cathedral).

The church presents a unique combination of various architectural styles ranging from Arab, Norman, Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance to Baroque. One is struck by the church’s size, which for its era made it one of Europe’s largest places of worship. The church is a massive rectangular structure, with two towers at the two front corners constructed in the Norman Arab style. The exterior of the apse is similar to those of Monreale Cathedral and the smaller Basilica of the Magione. In the bas-relief carvings of the wooden door at the archway under the portico can be seen deer, boar and other game once hunted in Sicily but long extinct. There are also greyhounds, lizards and mythological and religious figures

The main entrance of the cathedral is located at the southern end of the nave along Via Bonello opposite the reconstructed towers of the archdiocesan curia on the other side of the street. The two arches over the street once supported a roof. This entrance is used only on special occasions, usually when the archbishop enters the cathedral.

The left-most pillar supporting the Gothic portico bears an inscription from the first sura of the Koran: “God is Allah and Muhammed is His Prophet.” The geometric decorations of the apse exterior are of Islamic design, their symmetry reflecting Muslim spirituality.

The side chapel that is located near the portico entrance of the church is famous for its royal tombs. It is here that King Roger II is buried, along with his daughter, Constance de Hauteville, mother of Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen, who is also laid to rest here.

The Crypt houses the remains of Archbishop Walter, who in the twelfth century ordered construction of this cathedral, overlaying the earlier church and mosque. Saint Nicodemus, Orthodox bishop of Palermo in 1071, is also buried here.

The Cathedral Treasury (Tesoro) is a small museum containing a collection of finely crafted religious objects. There are illuminated manuscripts here and bejeweled chalices and crucifixes, along with sophisticated gold jewelry adorned with Byzantine enamel-ware, and even a few metal icons.

Parks and gardens in Palermo

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29December2011

The city of Palermo was introduced to the culture of green spots by the Arabs and later on, it were the Normans who gifted the city with various parklands and summer palaces to provide respite from the busy and bustling city life. Many of these gardens have a proud collection of banyan and other exotic trees. Some of the choicest parks and gardens in Palermo include:

Giardino Garibaldi
This park stands in the heart of Palermo, at Piazza Marina, and features very old and giant banyan trees, fig trees and palms reaching up to great heights. The most attractive feature of Piazza Marina is the facade featuring two tiers of delightful windows with magnificent stone inlays. The palace is sometimes open for concerts.

Giardino Inglese
Designed at the end of the 19th century, these English Gardens lie to the north bordering Via della Libertà past Piazza Crispi. The park was once notoriously famous for being a hangout for the druggies but now, the police has cleared the area of these elements.

Parco Della Favorita
This park lies at the foot of Monte Pellegrino and was once a part of an estate acquired in 1799 by Ferdinand of Bourbon. The place boasts of the beautiful Chinese palace which was built for Ferdinand. The marble fountain with a statue of Hercules is actually a copy of the celebrated Farnese Hercules that the king tried to abduct from Naples. In the 18th century, many noble families built summer villas around the park to escape the intense heat of the city.

The Botanical Gardens
Designed by Carlos Thay in 1902, the gardens are divided into areas representing flora and fauna nationally and internationally. The glasshouse was exhibited in the 1900 Universal Exhibition in Paris. There is a bronze bust commemorating Thays for the work he has done. The garden is the pride of Palermo and features water lilies pond and the Italienete section where there are marble sculptures dotted about including Odina de Plata, a demure river-nymph from a Rio de la Plata’s legend.

7 Top Attractions Of Palermo

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1December2011

Palermo, under the name of Balerm, is famous for its mosques, palaces and irrigation plants. You can find everything in this city right from stunning churches and architecture to beautiful beaches, bustling markets and Italys biggest botanical garden. Some of the famous attractions of Palermo are:

  • The Archeological Museum in Palermo: This contains an incredible collection of antiquities and is considered one of the finest of its kind in Italy.
  • The cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta: The cathedral has an impressive main entrance with Gothic portal with two towers. The chapel, close to the entrance, is famous for its royal tombs and the cathedral also contains an interesting display of fine treasures.
  • The church of San Cataldo: The church is unique in itself for its three red domes which stand in a row. The interior is however austere, lacking decoration apart from the floor.
  • The monastery of San Giobanni degli Eremiti: This was once an Islamic mosque and now features striking red Moorish domes.
  • Botanical Garden: The Palermo Botanical Garden is the biggest in Italy and something of an oasis in the city. It has fascinating displays of tropical plants in the Mediterranean region, many native and foreign species as well as some interesting architecture in the administrative buildings.
  • Four Corners: The site stands right at the heart of Palermo and is also known as Quattro Canti. The four buildings that comprise the Quattro Canti and split the city into four quarters are all built on three levels, with impressive Baroque sculptures illustrating different themes – the four seasons, four patron saints of the town and four Spanish kings.
  • Foro Umberto I: This is a wide boulevard that attracts locals and tourists. There are good views over the Bay of Palermo, and a number of attractions in the area.

Hotel Joli Palermo

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22March2011

Overview of the Hotel: Hotel Joli enjoys a central location being right in the heart of Palermo. The hotel has exquisite building from the early 19th century featuring original frescoes and antique works of art. The hotel offers unforgettable feel of the city as its large terrace overlooks the surrounding gardens and the beautiful piazza. The hotel provides a typical breakfast in the morning, complete with Sicilian cakes and fresh fruit. All 30 elegant rooms are tastefully decorated with rich fabrics and paintings. The hotel was refurbished in 2003 and features all modern amenities including free internet connection in all rooms.

Amenities at the Hotel: The facilities provided by the hotel include Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Terrace, Non-Smoking Rooms, Family Rooms, Elevator, Express Check-In/Check-Out, Safety Deposit Box, Heating, Luggage Storage, All Public and Private spaces non-smoking, Airconditioning, and Designated Smoking Area. Other services include Room Service, Airport Shuttle, Babysitting/Child Services, Laundry, Breakfast in the Room, Ironing Service, Bicycle Rental, Fax/Photocopying, Concierge Service, and Shuttle Service (surcharge). Wireless Internet Hotspot is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge. Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and costs EUR 1 per hour.

Hotel Rules:  The check in time for the hotel is from 11:00 hours and the Check out time is until 11:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. All children under 6 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding. All children under 2 years are charged EUR 10 per night per person for cots. All older children or adults are charged EUR 26 per night per person for extra beds. Maximum capacity of extra beds/babycots in a room is 2. Any type of extra bed or baby cot is upon request and needs to be confirmed by the hotel. Supplements will not be calculated automatically in the total costs and have to be paid separately in the hotel. Pets are allowed. No extra charges. Accepted credit cards are American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Diners Club, Maestro, and CartaSi. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorise credit cards prior to arrival.

Hotel Room Types and Rates:

Economy Double Room: € 79
Included in room price: 10 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included

Single Room: € 68
Included in room price: 10 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included

Triple Room: € 124
Included in room price: 10 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included
Quadruple Room: € 134
Included in room price: 10 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included

Included in room price: 10 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included


Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele – Opera House

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18March2011

An opera house and company located on the Piazza Verdi in Palermo, Sicily, The Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele was dedicated to King Victor Emanuel II. One of the biggest opera houses in Italy and the third largest in Europe, it provides its visitors the pleasure of feeling the bliss of divine music.

The Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele’s exquisite façade is in the high neoclassical style. Elements of the Greek temples at Selinunte and Agrigento can be witnessed here and there. A grand evidence of the splendor of ancient and classical Sicilian architecture, the auditorium was originally designed to seat 3,000 people. But today it incorporates an audience of 1,350, with 7 tiers of boxes rising up around an inclined stage.

The house was closed down for restoration and renovations in 1974, and wide-spread corruption and nepotism made it take 23 years to finally become open to visitors again. But while the work was being done, Verdi’s Aida was performed in 1998.

The auditorium, while exquisite in its looks, endears itself to the hearts of all tourists visiting Italy through its perfect acoustics. Once plagued with various problems such as political meddling, budget deficits etc, the house is considered to be getting back on track under its part-English music director, Jan Latham Koenig.

Cappella Palatina

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16March2011

The Palatine Chapel is a beautiful example of art, elegance and a perfect blend of various architectural styles. This royal chapel of the Norman kings of Sicily stands on the ground floor at the center of the Palazzo Reale in Palermo, southern Italy.

Roger II of Sicily, who started the construction of this chapel in 1132, took eight years to build this structure and even more to complete its decoration with mosaics and fine art. As a perfect example of Byzantine architecture, the chapel has three apses with six pointed arches (three on each side of the central nave) resting on recycled classical columns.

When visiting the chapel, one cannot help admiring the elegance of the mosaics of the chapel as they carve out figures in subtle color and luminance with elongated proportions and streaming draperies. The Byzantine artists have used the shimmering mosaics of the transept to illustrate scenes from the Acts of the Apostles.

Featuring Latin inscriptions, the rest of the mosaics are less impressive and cruder though they are more narrative and illustrative than transcendental. A few mosaics have a secular character and represent oriental flora and fauna.

The chapel is a unique structure in itself as it effortlessly combines various architectural styles, some of them being the Norman architecture in the door decor, the Arabic style in the arches and scripts adorning the roof, the Byzantine style in the dome and mosaics and depicting a typical Muslim design are the clusters of four eight-pointed stars arranged on the ceiling so as to form a Christian cross.

The chapel also takes pride in the Carolingian throne, a low stage for royal receptions, the balcony which allowed the king to view religious processions from above, the muqarnas ceiling which has been painted with many purely ornamental vegetal and zoomorphic designs along with scenes of daily life and many subjects that have not yet been explained.

Palazzo dei Normanni

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11January2011

The Palazzo dei Normanni, the palace in Palermo, Italy, was the seat of the Kings of Sicily. The construction of the palace was started in the 9th century by the Emir of Palermo and extended in the 12th century by Roger II and other Norman kings. The fortress was rebuilt by the Arabs in the Ninth Century and was known by the Arabic name, Càssaro (which now refers to an area of Palermo). An ancient Punic-Roman stronghold on the site became foundations for the new castle.

The Normans, under Roger II embellished it, rendering the then four towered castle the royal mansion. At the heart of this splendid residence, is the Aula Regia, or Royal Hall, reserved for hearings and banquets.

The palace contains the Cappella Palatina, by far the best example of the so-called Arab-Norman-Byzantine style that prevailed in the 12th-century Sicily. It is a perfect blend of the rich variety of art, the simplicity and the poised style of the Norman Sicilian kings’ court. The wonderful mosaics, the wooden roof, elaborately fretted and painted, and the marble incrustation of the lower part of the walls and the floor are very fine. Since 1946 the palace has housed the Sicilian Regional Assembly.

Roger II had the stunning Cappella Palatina, (the Palace Chapel), a beautiful chapel dedicated to St. Peter, built in the castle on the first floor and is worth seeing despite the sun, and possible queues. Made in the form of a Basilica, it is divided into three naves by granite columns with Corinthian capitals.

The mosaics of Christ the Pantocrator (classically Byzantine) the Evangelists, and images of stories from the New and Old Testaments, on a gold background, are masterly pieces of craftsmanship. With incredible skill, byzantine images and decorations are blended with Arabic designs (such as the classically Arab eight pointed stars placed in the shape of a cross) into the art and design of the building.

The roof, a unique structure with upside-down wooden “stalactites-like” pyramidal structures, suspended from the ceiling, resonates with Islamic images, creating an ecumenical fusion of Catholic, Islamic and Byzantine cultures quite literally in and under one roof.

Piazza della Cattedrale, Palermo

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5January2011

The Cathedral of Palermo is a remarkable blend of history, celebrates different architectural styles owing to various stages of construction and is dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven.

This grand structure was built in 1185 by archbishop Gualtiero Offamilio.
The right side of the building, with advanced features turrets and a large porch in Gothic-Catalan (current access), built around 1465, overlooks the square. The portal of this entrance is a magnificent work of Antonio Gambara, executed in 1426, while the beautiful wooden doors are of Miranda (1432). The Lady in the mosaic is of the thirteenth century, and the two monuments on the walls, works of the early eighteenth century, representing Charles III of Bourbon to the right and Vittorio Amedeo II of Savoy on the left.

The part of the apse pressed between towers is the most original of the twelfth century , while the most tampered with is the left side, where there is a beautiful portal Gaginesque the early sixteenth century .

The interior has a Latin cross with three naves, divided by pillars. In the first two chapels of the right aisle are the tombs of emperors and royal settled there in the eighteenth century, after the restoration, which moved from their original site, however, was in the same basilica.

Roman sarcophagus in place on the right wall, there are the remains of Constance, sister of the King of Aragon and wife of Frederick II, who died in 1222. In the background, under the canopy mosaic, there are the tombs of Roger II, who died in 1154, and his daughter Constance, who died in 1198.
The interior, which has undergone profound transformations in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century, is a Latin cross with three naves divided by columns (4 columns embedded with tetrastyle groups from the old building Rogerian) with statues of saints that were part the decoration of the tribune of Gagini.

In the nave the right, the first and second chapel, adjoining each other, maintain the imperial and royal tombs of the Normans, which revolves around a rich history and romantic interest.

To the right of the sanctuary is the Chapel of Santa Rosalia with the altar that holds the seventeenth-century silver urn (450 kg), containing the relics of the patron saint of Palermo, carried in procession during the feast of the patron on July 15.

Some popular historical attractions in Palermo

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4January2011

Palermo as a historic city in Southern Italy has a huge architectural heritage and is being known for its Norman buildings. More, city is known for its rich cultural heritage including the history, culture, architecture and gastronomy. Some of the most noted buildings and sites of architectural excellence in Palermo lies at:

• Palermo Cathedral: It is the city’s primary cathedral and main church. It is revered as city’s primary cathedral and main church. It is there featured by the presence of various architectural styles. It had undergone through out its existence under long history of additions, alterations and restoration and the most recent renovation occurred at in the 18th century.

• San Giovanni degli Eremiti: Known as to be the church of the St. John of the Hermits is located close to the Palazzo dei Normanni. The church is popular for its red domes that clearly indicate the Arab Influene at the period of construction of the church in the 12th century.

• Chiesa della Martorana: This is also known to be as Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio that is (Saint Mary of the Admiral), is under the control of the next door church of San Cataldo and look towards the Piazza Bellini in central Palermo. This particular church was constructed in the form of compact cross-in-square, the Greek cross plan; it is a common to south Indian and Sicilian variation on the standard middle Byzantine church type. The three apses in the east adjoin directly on the naos, instead of being separated by an additional bay, as was usual in contemporary Byzantine architecture in the Balkans and Asia Minor. The campanile is richly decorated with three orders of arches and lodges with mullioned windows, still works as the main entrance to the church.

• San Cataldo: This is a church building located at the central Piazza Bellini. It is a most noted example of the Norman architecture. The church is annexed to that of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio.

• Santa Maria della Catena church was constructed in 1490–1520 and was designed by Matteo Carnilivari. It derived its name from the presence on one of the walls, of a chain.

• Santa Teresa alla Kalsa got its name from Al-Khalisa, an Arab term that is known as the elected. The church, made in 1686–1706 over the former emir’s residence, is one of the most noted and popular example of the Sicilian Baroque. It is a single, airy nave having stucco decorations from about the early 18th century.

• Santa Maria dello Spasimo was constructed in 1506 and was later on changed into a hospital. For this church the Raphael has painted his famous Sicilia’s Spasimo, now as in the Museo del Prado of Madrid. The church presently is open air and thus organizes time to time exhibitions and musical shows.