MONREALE CATHEDRAL, Monreale Sicily

When one thinks they have seen the most spectacular places (Palatine Chapel above), this may have been better – simply for the huge size of the church, endless wall mosaics, the unbelievable marble carving in the Chapel of the Crucifix, and the panoramic views of all of Palermo from the terrace. There are 60 large mosaics on each side mostly about the Old Testament,10 on the west end, and in the Sanctuary 30 saints in addition to the huge ones of Christ, St Paul, St Peter and the Virgin and Child enthroned. The ceiling is equally enthralling Islamic stalactites and alcoves. Monreale is a few kilometres south and high above Palermo. Buy the map outside for 1€ that lists each mosaic. 8€ (reduced to 4 for over 65) to see the Chapel and terrace.

The Chapel of the Crucifix