MONREALE CATHEDRAL, Interior Mosaics

The moment you enter, you’ll be enchanted by the regal magnificence of the interior, thanks to the bright, glittering gold that covers all the walls.

The church is divided into three naves by two rows of splendid columns topped with beautiful capitals. The superb marble floor, with porphyry and granite inlays, was completed in the 16th century, while the colorful wooden ceiling was extensively restored after the fire in 1811.

The mosaics are the pride of the Cathedral, and practically cover the entire surface without interruption, totaling an area of 6340 square meters. Most of them are believed to have been created between 1180 and 1189, the year William II died, which was followed by a period of unrest.

The central apse is dominated by the magnificent image of Christ Almighty, from which all the golden light of the church appears to radiate. This majestic figure is shown blessing the faithful with his right hand, but as you can see in the Virgin on the Throne with Child below, the immensity of Christ takes on a human dimension thanks to the incarnation of the Baby Jesus being offered up, like a little emperor, for the adoration of the faithful....