Monreale
Monreale: A hilltop city of unique beauty
If you're looking for a destination not to be missed in Italy, Monreale is the perfect place for you! With its 38,711 inhabitants, it is a town in Sicily located in the metropolitan city of Palermo and is part of the Palermo metropolitan area. The city, which takes its name from the Arabic "Muṛṛiàli", is situated in a hilly area with breathtaking views of the surroundings and is only 4 kilometers from Palermo. Monreale is best known for its Cathedral, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the cathedrals of Cefalù and Palermo Arab-Norman.
Physical geography
Territory
The municipality of Monreale is located at an altitude of about 310 meters above sea level, at the foot of Monte Caputo (765 meters) and extends over a predominantly hilly territory. One of the features of Monreale is that it is the most populated municipality in the province of Palermo and the only city to have multiple hamlets.
Climate
The climate of Monreale is Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters, as typical of Sicily.
History of Monreale
The history of the city of Monreale dates back to the 12th century, when the Normans ruled Sicily. In the position where Monreale stands today, there was an ancient Arab village called "Balharā". The Norman kings spent time here after they had fought or ruled over Sicily. In 1171, King William II of Sicily had a dream in which the Madonna indicated to him where there was a huge treasure, with which he was to erect a temple in her honor.
Without hesitation, William II began the construction of the temple, the fortified citadel, the Archbishop's Palace and the cloister. He also invited one hundred monks from the Abbey of Cava, led by Abbot Teobaldo, to move to Monreale to officiate in the temple. Abbot Teobaldo was also awarded the title of "Lord of the City". In 1182, Lucius III elevated the church of Monreale to "Metropolitan Cathedral" at the request of William II. The first archbishop of the diocese of Monreale was Friar William from the Benedictine monastery.
The Cathedral of Monreale
The Cathedral of Monreale, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven, is a true masterpiece of medieval art. It is a basilica with three naves, a magnificent portico, an atrium, and a bell tower. Its interior is decorated with mosaics depicting stories from the Bible and the Life of Christ, with a level of detail and surprising colors. The main altar, dominated by a large golden cross, is the central part of the cathedral.
Curiosities about Monreale
Monreale has a unique cultural and historical heritage. Moreover, it has an authentic and welcoming atmosphere, and it is easy to find restaurants and shops selling typical Sicilian products.
The city is also famous for Monreale Music Festival, which takes place every year in August. The festival hosts Italian and international artists, offering evenings of music in a beautiful setting.
Conclusions
In summary, Monreale is a must-visit tourist destination in Sicily. The city is rich in history and beauty, thanks to its hilly location and the presence of the Cathedral of Monreale, a real treasure of medieval art. The favorable climate also makes Monreale ideal for a visit at any time of the year. So, what are you waiting for? Come and discover Monreale and its wonderful Cathedral.
