The Cathedral of Cefalù and its towers

In the heart of the historic center of Cefalù, overlooking the homonymous square, stands the Cathedral, authentic symbol of the city and masterpiece of Romanesque-Norman art. Since 2015 it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage, included in the site “Arab-Norman Palermo and the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale“.

Already from the outside, its grandeur catches the eye: the two side towers, similar to medieval ramparts, frame the facade, while a solemn staircase leads to the terrace churchyard. Crossing the three-arched porch, dating back to the fifteenth century, you will be immersed in an ancient and majestic atmosphere.

The interior, with a Latin cross plan, is divided into three naves supported by high monolithic columns. Here, art and spirituality merge in the refined Byzantine mosaics that decorate the apse and culminate in the extraordinary figure of Christ Pantocrator, among the most iconic sacred images of the island.

To the left of the building, you can also visit the cloister, an architectural jewel of the Norman era, rediscovered and enhanced by recent restorations. With its finely carved columns and its harmonious order, it is a rare example of medieval Sicilian art.

The Cathedral is easily reached along Corso Ruggero, the main artery of the historic city. It is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.: an invitation to enter not only a sacred place, but one of the beating hearts of Mediterranean history.

If you decide to visit the Cathedral, do not miss the opportunity to visit its famous towers. The climb begins almost in silence, between worn-out steps and walls that seem to breathe the memory of centuries. There is something solemn in that silence, a sense of expectation that grows as you climb.

The path is narrow, at times tortuous, but each opening gives a detail that enchants: a window overlooking the sea, a fragment of bifora, the profile of a bell suspended in the void. And then, finally, you get to the top.

On one side the infinite blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea, on the other the maze of roofs, alleys and churches that make up the ancient heart of the city. From here you can be witnesses of an unforgettable beauty.