The Cathedral of Cefalù is the symbol of the city and an unmissable stop for anyone who visits it.
Built in the heart of the historic center in Norman Romanesque style in 1131, it was consecrated only in 1267.
Over the years the original structure was modified several times and in 1263 following a fire, the vault of the main nave had to be completely rebuilt.
Starting in 1270, further restorations were started which led to some revolutionary structural changes to the church, including the lowering of the ceiling and the partial rotation of the transept.
Finally, in 1473, a portico with three arches was added between the two towers.
To access the Duomo, you must walk a series of steps to the church square, which was originally used as a cemetery. The façade is dominated by two large square towers.
The left tower ends in an octagonal spire and is characterized by Ghibelline-style battlements. Instead, the tower on the right has a square spire and battlements depicting stylized flames. The motif symbolically represents the earthly dominance of the crown and the spiritual authority of the church.
Interior is in the shape of a Latin cross, divided into three naves supported by granite columns. The mosaic decoration of the central apse is characterized by Christ Pantocrator.
The decoration is covered with precious Byzantine mosaics, which extend for about 600 m², made by the hand of masters of Constantinople and made between 1148 and 1166. It is one of the most incredible examples of Middle Eastern religious architecture in Sicily.
That of Christ Pantocrator is the dominant figure, which stands solemnly in the basin of the apse, followed by the Virgin in prayer flanked by the four archangels.
All around, there are the figures of saints, apostles, religious symbolism and plant elements.
Marble columns, capitals and pedestals date back to Roman times (probably the second century) and come from pagan temples.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, the official name, however, is Basilica of the Transfiguration.
