Monreale Cathedral
Browse through our collection of Monreale Cathedral Complex to explore the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Palermo at discounted prices!
45M+ travellers love us
Delivering best in class experience
Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Similar things to do in Palermo
About Monumental Complex of Monreale
A highlight of any Sicilian heritage adventure, the Monumental Complex of Monreale brings together awe-inspiring mosaics, tranquil cloisters, and panoramic terraces. It’s a cornerstone of the Arab-Norman Palermo collection, offering a vivid window into the island’s rich, multicultural legacy.
The cathedral’s interior is covered with approximately 6,500 square meters of gold mosaics, making it one of the largest mosaic cycles in the world.
The 12th-century bronze doors at the cathedral entrance were crafted by Bonanno Pisano, the same artist who worked on the Pisa Baptistry doors.
The cloister features 228 paired marble columns, each with a uniquely carved capital—no two are exactly alike.
King William II, who commissioned the complex, is depicted on one of the cloister capitals presenting the cathedral to the Madonna.
The complex includes royal tombs, a Diocesan Museum with medieval tapestries, and terraces offering panoramic views of Palermo’s 'Golden Basin.'
Why visit Monumental Complex of Monreale?
Plan your visit
Cathedral Main Entrance (Duomo di Monreale)
Located on Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the main entrance to the cathedral is easily identified by its grand portico and the impressive bronze doors by Bonanno Pisano. This entrance is step-free and accessible for visitors with limited mobility, though some interior areas may have uneven flooring. The entrance is directly opposite the town’s main square and is the primary access point for the cathedral’s nave, mosaics, and chapels.
Cloister Entrance (Chiostro dei Benedettini)
Accessed via a separate doorway to the right of the cathedral façade (when facing the main doors), the cloister entrance is signposted and leads to the ticket office for the cloister and terraces. The entrance has a short ramp, making it accessible for most wheelchairs and strollers. Entry is by a separate ticket, and staff are available to assist with accessibility needs.
Archbishop’s Palace & Diocesan Museum Entrance
Located adjacent to the cloister, this entrance is reached via a small courtyard off Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. The entrance is at ground level, with elevator access available for upper floors of the museum. Signage directs visitors from the main square, and staff can provide assistance for those with mobility challenges.
Terrace Access Stairway
The stairway to the cathedral and cloister terraces is accessed from within the cloister area. Please note that terrace access requires climbing several flights of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. The panoramic views are worth the climb for those able to manage the steps.
Regular Hours: The cathedral is typically open Monday to Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and Sundays from 8:00am to 12:45pm and 2:30pm to 5:00pm. The cloister and terraces generally open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Last Entry: Last admission is usually 30 minutes before closing time for each area.
Special Hours/Closures: The cathedral may close for Mass, weddings, or religious ceremonies, especially on Sundays and feast days. Some areas (like the terraces or cloister) may close temporarily for maintenance or weather. Always check for updates on the official website or at the ticket office before your visit.
Audio guides are available for rent onsite in multiple languages for a small fee.
A souvenir shop is located near the entrance, offering religious items, books, and local crafts.
Toilets are available for visitors; please note there is a small usage fee (typically €1 per person).
Paid parking is available in the vicinity of the complex; spaces are limited, especially during peak hours.
Transportation services such as shuttle buses from Palermo are available through select tour providers and ticket packages.
An information desk is located at the entrance to assist with visitor queries and ticketing.
The cathedral and cloister are partially wheelchair accessible. Some areas, such as the rooftop terraces, are only accessible by stairs and may not be suitable for visitors with mobility issues.
Nearby cities to explore
