Our plan for the morning was to visit the small town of Monreale which sits perched on a cliff top above the city of Palermo. Getting to Monreale is quite easy as AMAT Bus 389 departs from Piazza Independenza taking just 20 minutes to the hilltop town.
When travelling on Italian buses it’s necessary to purchase tickets in advance as it is not permitted to buy these from the driver. All Palermo bus tickets cost €1.40 each and can be purchased from tobacconists or newsagents. We were also planning to travel somewhere by bus the following day so we bought 8 bus tickets to save time later as these are undated and just need validating as you board the bus. Bus services are infrequent on this line, being approximately every 75 minutes so plan ahead to avoid wasted time waiting at each end.
It was just as well that we had arrived early as the bus stop wasn’t quite where we were expecting it to be and was actually about 100 metres from the square. Surprisingly for Sicily the bus actually arrived on time but was quite small and already crowded so we ended up having to stand for the entire journey. We hung on for dear life as the bus weaved its way up the hillside navigating the steep hairpin bends. It was approaching 10.30 a.m. as we completed the final part of the journey to the town centre on foot taking no more than 10 minutes.
There were some fine valley views looking down to Palermo with a backdrop of the surrounding hills. It was a hazy morning but even so, the views were still breathtaking. Most visitors flock to Monreale to visit its famous cathedral as it is one of Sicily’s top tourist attractions and one of the greatest existing examples of Norman architecture. Building commenced in 1174 by William II and was completed four years later.
The church is noted for its superb mosaics which cover every available surface. My attention was also drawn to the beautifully painted ceiling and the original marble floor, still in wonderful condition after all this time. Visiting the cathedral is free of charge but tickets are required to climb the tower and to visit the cloisters. A maximum of 350 visitors are allowed in the cathedral at any one time but during our Saturday visit at 11.00 a.m. there were no access problems. I was wearing a sleeveless dress and along with numerous other places of worship that I’ve visited in Sicily, I was not requested to cover my arms.
I would recommend adding a visit to the cloisters to your itinerary as their artistry is spectacular. The cloisters are the most significant remains of the former Benedictine abbey with 26 arches on each of the four sides which open onto the courtyard garden. In one corner there is a fountain with ornamental columns and sculptured decoration on its top.
After leaving the church we explored the small town starting with the town hall which is housed in part of the former royal palace next to the cathedral. Wandering along Monreale’s narrow streets we came across several more elaborate churches and small squares, stopping in one of them for welcome glasses of cool beer as it was at least 30 degrees in the shade.
We returned back down to Palermo by bus and although crowded, we were fortunate to be able to find seats. It was then just a 15 minute walk to our apartment, passing through the Nuova Gate near to the Norman Palace and the cathedral. Surprisingly the city seemed quiet for a Saturday afternoon so we returned to our attractive shady terrace relaxing with cooling glasses of Aperol Spritz.
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Lovely post and lovely place.
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Thank you, so pleased you enjoyed it.
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Lovely post! Hope to visit Palermo next month. I’ll do as you suggest and get on the bus for Monreale 😉
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Thanks for your kind words. I’m sure you’ll have a lovely time in Sicily next month and it’s good to read you have got some inspiration from my blog.
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Ah, someday I will visit. Someday…
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I do hope so Barry as I’m certain you will enjoy a visit to Sicily. Thank you for commenting.
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That picture of the mountain with townships in the foreground is great in spite of the haze. I enjoyed travelling with you again. 🙂
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Thank you Ian. Monreale was an interesting place to visit, especially its cathedral.
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If I remember correctly from my visit years ago the mosaics depict the stories from the Old and New Testament, in order, as you turn around 360′ and read level by level. Since my scripture studies are rusty, I only got about a dozen panels in before I lost the plot.
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I realised they were from the Old and New Testament but had no idea the mosaics were in order, U should have pad more attention! Thanks for the info.
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Oh my goodness, can’t imagine having to stand on that bus journey!! Lovely visit though. I used to love Aperol Spritz till I accidentally got a large one in Tallinn. I didn’t even realize you could order it in a large 😂 There’s just so much of Aperol you can drink at one time 😅
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I can see why you went off Aperol Spritz after being served such a large one, it would have put me off as well. Had our first overnight frost last night so I’ve now got my gloves out. How long till London now?
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It’s getting chillier here by the day! I am changing winter tyres on Friday but wish I’d done it already with the threat of slippery mornings. London is at the end of November! I’m busy making plans 🙂 xx
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I love taking little trips out of the city- this church definitely looks worth it 🙂
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It’s gorgeous Beth, and just a short trip outside Palermo. Thanks for taking the time to comment
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That view is so gorgeous! Likewise with the cloister. I didn’t have much time to spend when I visited Sicily nearly two years ago, but your post makes me want to go back and see more. Happy travels!
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Thanks Rebecca for taking the time to comment, it’s much appreciated. The cloisters of Monreale cathedral were gorgeous so hopefully you’ll be able to take a look at them next time you visit Sicily as although there was a charge, it was only small.
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I am thoroughly enjoying this series on Sicily and, coincidentally, I was talking to a couple of friends who have just returned form a couple of weeks there. They loved it and your pieces here plus their recommendation are certainly pushing the island up my “to do” list.
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That’s great t read Fergy. I’ll look forward to reading about your visit sometime in the future. I’m certain you will enjoy Sicily as your friends sound to have done too.
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Reblogged this on LIVING THE DREAM.
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I LOVED BEING UP HERE, THE AIR WAS SO FRESH AND THE VIEWS, CHINA
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Thanks, the views were delightful!
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Nothing nicer than a cooling glass of Aperol Spritz!
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A girl to my own heart Sheree although waking up at home this morning to sub zero temperatures, a mug of hot chocolate is probably the order of the day! Thanks for commenting, it’s much appreciated.
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Sub zero! Brrrrr
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I know, and it’s still only October, will have to search out my scarf, hat and gloves when I get back home!
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Monreale cathedral is so beautiful
I would never leave if I had a chance to visit.
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Thank you Jepsy. The cathedral is beautiful and we loved having the chance to visit it.
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So mush history and beauty.
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It was beautiful up in the small town of Montreal and we enjoyed our short visit there.
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