Monreale & Palermo City Tour with Capuchin Catacombs Visit
Sightseeing and Exploration in the Heart of Palermo
DURATION: UP TO 8-HOURS
Get a mix of Palermo's landmarks in this fantastic tour!
Come see the Cathedral of Monreale, built by King William II and the Norman invaders. Considered to be one of the finest example of Norman architecture in Sicily, its walls are entirely decorated by a splendid series of golden mosaics and the majestic figure of Christ Pantocrator.
The nearby cloister is worth a visit as it illustrates William’s love for Arab artistry. Observe the courtyard and its elegant Romanesque arches supported by columns decorated by shimmering mosaic patterns. Each capital is different and for that they represent a unique sculptural record of medieval Sicily.
Afterwards, come see the rest of Palermo, renowned for its history, culture, architecture, and gastronomy. Your exploration starts at the fascinating Capuchin Catacombs. The Catacombs outgrew their original cemetery in the 16th century so monks excavated the crypts below it. The bodies were dehydrated on the racks of ceramic pipes in the catacombs and sometimes later washed with vinegar. The catacombs contain about 8000 mummies that line the walls. See how the halls are divided into categories: men, women, virgins, children, priests, monks, and professionals.
An orientation tour of the city will follow that includes the Piazza Pretoria and Via Maqueda, whose “four corners” converge Palermo at a quartet of Baroque palaces left over from Spanish rule dating from 1560.
Pick-Up/Drop-Off: Your driver will pick you up from your hotel. At the conclusion of the tour, you will be dropped back at the hotel.
Includes: Private vehicle and driver for up to 8-hours, knowledgeable English-speaking guide, Entrance Fees to Monreale Cathedral, Cloister, & Capuchin Catacombs.
Excludes: Gratuity, Extra Hours, Extra Kilometres.
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