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Monreale Cathedral Tickets
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- Enjoy a visit to the Monreale Cathedral Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Bypass the long, snaking queues to the Cathedral with an exclusive skip-the-line entry.
- Get a chance to see the Cathedral’s breathtaking art and mosaics firsthand, depicting events from the Old and New Testament.
- Discover the elaborate architecture and art of the Cathedral, including the hypomorphic motifs and intricate carvings.
- Enjoy a visit to the Monreale Cathedral Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Bypass the long, snaking queues to the Cathedral with an exclusive skip-the-line entry.
- Get a chance to see the Cathedral’s breathtaking art and mosaics firsthand, depicting events from the Old and New Testament.
- Discover the elaborate architecture and art of the Cathedral, including the hypomorphic motifs and intricate carvings.
Inclusions
- Entry into Monreale Cathedral Complex
- Exhibitions
Exclusions
- Guide
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Top things to do in Palermo
Why Visit the Monreale Cathedral?
- Architectural splendor: The cathedral is renowned for its stunning Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, showcasing intricate mosaics, marble work, and ornate decorations. Its grandeur is a feast for the eyes.
- Historical significance: The cathedral was built in the 12th century and symbolizes the merging of different artistic and architectural styles during the Norman rule in Sicily.
- Spiritual experience: Monreale Cathedral is an active place of worship and serves as the archiepiscopal seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Monreale.
- Panoramic views: Situated on a hill overlooking Palermo, the cathedral offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the city, and the sea.
All Your Monreale Cathedral Tickets Explained
Skip-The-Line
Duration: Flexible
- Opt for skip-the-line Monreale Cathedral Tickets to bypass the long lines at the entrance to the cathedral.
- Enjoy the convenience of flexible entry times, allowing you to select a time slot that best suits your schedule for your visit.
- Explore the stunning architecture, and beautiful mosaics, visit all the exhibitions, and learn more about the cathedral’s significance in Sicilian history at your own pace.
Cancellation Policy
These tickets cannot be canceled or rescheduled.
Recommended Tour
Day Tour with Transfers
Duration: 5-6 hours
- Enjoy round-trip transfers in private shuttles
- Opt for a guided tour experience and have a multilingual guide accompany you, making your visit more insightful.
- Visit some of the top attractions of Monreale along with Cefalù’s major landmarks like the Cathedral of Cefalù (Christ Pantocrator) and Cefalù beach.
- Visit the stunning Cathedral, along with other attractions such as the Norman Palace and Vucciria Market.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Recommended Tour
Monreale Terrace Climb
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
- A standard ticket to Duomo Monreale does not include access to the Cathedral’s restricted areas. You can opt for tickets that offer priority access to the Monreale Complex’s highlights such as the Cathedral Terraces, Benedictine Monastery, and Cloister.
- Upgrade your standard entry ticket to include access to the Cathedral's restricted areas such as the Cathedral's Ruano Chapel, cloister, and terraces.
- Access to all exhibitions held inside.
- Enjoy a sweeping panorama of Palermo from the top.
Cancellation Policy
These tickets cannot be canceled or rescheduled.
Recommended Tour
Explore Monreale Cathedral Complex
Cathedral of Monreale
Benedictine Cloister
Archiepiscopal Palace
Benedictine Monastery
Built during the 12th century by William II of Sicily, Monreale Cathedral is one of the most important examples of Norman architecture in the world. The cathedral is decorated with stunning mosaics, which depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints. The cathedral is also home to a beautiful cloister, which is considered one of the finest in Italy.
With four sides of 26 arches long and supported by 228 columns - the Benedictine Cloister speaks of the prowess of Arab and Byzantine artisans. Explore each pillar of the cloister as it unfolds scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints. The cloister is also home to a beautiful fountain, which is surrounded by lush vegetation, ideal for a leisure stroll.
Built during the 16th century by Archbishop Simone da Bologna, the Archiepiscopal Palace is located in Cathedral Square, next to the Cathedral of Monreale. Visit the second floor of the palace which is now used as a museum and houses a collection of art and artifacts from the cathedral.
Benedictine Monastery was founded in 1174 by King William II of Sicily and was originally home to Benedictine monks. The monastery was dissolved in 1866 during the Italian unification, but the buildings have since been restored and are now used as a museum. The monastery is home to a number of important historical and artistic treasures including the Cathedral.
What to See at the Monreale Cathedral?
Gates to Paradise
A fascinating story lies behind this. It is believed that here God expelled Adam and Eve from Paradise and enlisted a guard (Cherubim) with a flaming sword to protect the gates. Quite fascinating, isn’t it? You’ll find these inscribed on the bronze doors of the west entrance of Duomo Monreale.
Chapel of the Crucifix
An exquisite example of the Sicilian Baroque Style, the Chapel of the Crucifix was built between 1686 and 1692 by Archbishop Joan Roano. The Crucifix is a part of the Roano Chapel and is a true masterpiece for inlaid decorations on the walls and floor. The vibrant mix of marble polychromy depicts the allegories and prophecies from the Old Testament, truly a sight to behold.
Cathedral Terraces
In the southern tower of the cathedral, you will find a staircase that takes you to the top. The Cathedral terrace itself is vibrant, huge, and fascinating. Take a stroll through the walkway that runs the entirety of the Church. You can expect some magnificent views from the top, a gorgeous valley, and a lush hillside. Make sure you get the right tickets for access to the terraces.
Royal Tombs
Royal Tombs are preserved in the Northern Transept of the Cathedral. Some of the most eminent personalities like the Mother of King William II, her sons Roger & Henry, and Margaret of Navarre are preserved in these tombs. This place holds tremendous historical value.
Mosaics
The Monreale Cathedral mosaics are considered to be the finest examples of Byzantine Art in the world. It took Byzantine architects over 20 years to complete the mosaics. Built during the time of King William II of Sicily, the mosaics used over 40 different types of marble and over 100,000 pieces of glass, making it a stunning work of art.
The Diocesan Museum
Lies within the Archbishop’s Palace, the Diocesan Museum of Monreale is a place that represents the faith of the Diocese of the then times. The magnificent tapestry of the museum’s great halls (first floor) depicts the theme of William’s Dream. Visitors can also witness the impressive mosaic works here as well.
Plan Your Visit to Monreale Cathedral
Opening Hours
Location
Rules & Tips
Eat
Stay
Nearby
The Cathedral: Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 5 PM. On April 24 the Cathedral remains open from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM, and on April 25, 3 PM to 5 PM.
The Cloister: Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 7 PM (last admission at 6:30 PM) and Sunday, 9 AM to 1:30 PM (last admission at 1 PM)
The Roano Chapel: Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 12:30 and 2:30 PM to 5 PM and Sunday, 2:30 PM to 5 PM
Closed: The Monreale Complex is closed to the public on January 1, May 1, and December 25. The Cathedral remains closed to tourists on April 26 and on Sundays.
Address: Cattedrale di Monreale, Piazza Guglielmo II, 1, 90046 Monreale PA, Italy
Getting There
By Bus: Bus service from Piazza Indipendenza in Palermo, line 389 to Monreale
By Car: Take Corso Calatafimi until it exits Palermo, then at the road SS186 and further onto SP69 to Monreale
Dress Code: Visitors are advised to dress modestly, keeping their shoulders and knees covered. Revealing outfits are not allowed.
Photography: Photography is allowed inside the Cathedral, terrace, and Monreale cloister. So, don’t forget to pack your camera!
Food & Drinks: Foods and drinks are strictly prohibited inside the premises.
- Le Barrique: Located just 75 m away from the cathedral, it serves traditional Sicilian cuisine.
- Osteria Peper's: This restaurant is located in a beautiful garden setting just 110 m away and offers stunning views of the cathedral. The menu offers both Italian and international cuisine.
- Fuori Orario: This 140 m is quite popular with both locals and tourists alike for its fresh, hand-made dough & cooked in a wood-fired oven.
- Taverna del Pavone: Located just 170 m away this bar is a great place to grab a quick bite to eat or a refreshing drink.
- Al Normanno di Giaccone Ignazio: Located just 130 m from Monreale, it offers a cozy and intimate dining experience.
- The Royal Palace of Palermo: Marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace was built in the 12th century by King William II of Sicily and is a stunning example of Norman architecture. The palace is also the home to the Palatine Chapel.
- The Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo: A unique and macabre attraction, the catacombs are a series of underground tunnels lined with the mummified bodies of over 8,000 monks, who were dressed in their habits and arranged in various poses.
- The Zisa Palace: The Zisa Palace is a 12th-century palace that serves as a stunning example of Norman architecture and is one of the most important buildings in Palermo. The palace is now a museum and is open to the public.
- Fortress of Monreale: A medieval castle built in the 12th century, it is located on a hill overlooking Monreale and offers stunning views of the city and the cathedral.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monreale Cathedral Tickets
Are Monreale Cathedral tickets available online?
Yes, Monreale Cathedral Tickets can be purchased online.
Do I need to buy separate tickets to enter the Cathedral?
Yes, an entrance fee is necessary for visitors above the age of 18 to enter the Cathedral. Children between the age bracket 0-17 can go in for free. Carrying a valid photo ID is mandatory.
Is priority access available for Monreal Cathedral admission?
Yes, you can opt for skip-the-line tickets to bypass the long waiting queues and head straight to the security check.
What types of tickets are available to visit the Monreale?
You can choose between skip-the-line Monreale Cathedral Tickets, day tours and transfers, and special tickets to access the terraces.
How to get to Monreale from Palermo?
You can either book round-trip shuttle tickets (Monreale to/from Palermo) or book a Day Tour of Monreale & Cefalù with Round-Trip Transfers from Palermo.
What is the cancellation policy for Monreale Cathedral tickets?
It depends on the type of ticket you choose. While some tickets can be canceled up to 48 hours before the experience starts and get a full refund, for others there may be no cancellation, rescheduling, or refund available. Visitors are advised to check the ticket’s cancellation policy before booking.
What are the Monreale Cathedral opening hours?
The Cathedral is open from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 5 PM between Monday to Saturday. Sunday is closed. The Monreale Complex is closed to the public on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Is photography allowed inside the Cathedral?
Yes, photography is allowed. So, don’t forget to pack your photography gear and Monreale is a treasure trove for shutterbugs.
Is there any particular dress code to visit the Monreale Cathedral?
While visiting the Cathedral, visitors are advised to dress modestly. Revealing outfits are not allowed.
How long does it take to explore the Monreale Cathedral Complex?
It usually takes about 1-2 hours to tour the Cathedral Complex, climb to the terrace, and explore the Cloister area.
Can I climb the Monreale?
Yes, visitors are allowed to climb up to the Monreale Cathedral terrace.
Is a wheelchair facility available at Monreale Complex?
Yes, the wheelchair facility is available only in the Cloister area located on the ground floor of Monreale (entrance from Villa Comunale).