Dama Cefalù

The Arab-Norman art is a Sicilian wonder. After three centuries of Byzantine domination and two centuries of Arab domination here come the Normans whose kings are literally charmed by the Arab architecture. Here is that an extraordinary thing happens: the Norman kings summon the Arab architects and together they elaborate a mixture of styles and cultures giving to the posterity what we today define Arab-Norman art, patrimony of the humanity. Among the most significant monuments we remember in Palermo: the Palatine Chapel, the Martorana church, the  Norman Palace, St. John of the Hermits church. To them are added the cathedral of Monreale and that of Cefalù. In the beautiful Palatine Chapel we admire splendid Byzantine mosaics on a gold background, muqarnas vaults and typically Arab domes as well as geometric designs on lava stone and Romanesque capitals.

The Cathedral of Cefalù (Duomo di Cefalù) is a wonderful construction in Arab-Norman style of 1131, built at the behest of King Roger. The large terraced entrance square and the two imposing towers dominate the square where the church is located. Inside, beautiful mosaics dominate the building. Among them stands out the figure of Christ Pantocrator.

Photo: Cefalù, cathedral facade seen from the square, watercolor, 1843