The imposing Cathedral of Palermo, dedicated to the Virgin Maria Assunta, is one of the most distinctive and original works of the city and today it retains few elements of its original structure. Built between 1179 and 1185 from the will of the archbishop Gualtiero Offamilio, it is the result of the mix of different styles and arts of the last millennium. On the basis of the original Gregorian structure, there are domes with majolica, an Arab-Catalan porch, towers with mullioned windows and columns, all the elements overlooking the garden: everything makes it as a “stone story” able to narrate the history of the city of Palermo. The most substantial change dates back to the eighteenth century, when two naves and the dome were added, on the project of Ferdinando Fuga. From its origin, the Cathedral was used as place of worship, as a fortress and as a grave for kings, their families and archbishops. Inside the church there are the tombs of the emperor Henry VI of Hohenstaufen and his wife, the empress Constance of Altavilla, the empress Constance of Aragona and the king Federico II. Today the crypt hosts the “Treasure of the Cathedral” including many pieces of art from the Norman age, up to the 19th century.
The main entrance to the Cathedral has not architectural barriers. Inside, two tactile graphics are available. Different or shorter tours are available for visitors with special needs and they are clearly signaled. The monumental area is not accessible for people with reduced mobility. An email booking service is available. For them however, no access is possible for the monumental area. In the reception area there are no obstacles hiding the faces of the personnel. Informative leaflets are available (extra charge).
Useful Information
Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 90040 Palermo
Contact details: Ph. +39 091 334373 – email: tourcattedrale@diocesipa.it
Visit times: The Cathedral is open all year round from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm. The monumental area (the Crypt, clerestory of the ancient temple, the treasure and imperial tombs) is open from 7.00 am to 5.30 pm from March to October and from 9.00 am to 1.30 pm from November to February. The entrance at the Church is free. The ticket cost for the monumental area: 7 euro for adults – 3 euro for young people from eleven to seventeen.