The Cathedral of Monreale is considered to be the greatest existing expression of Norman architecture. William II, King of Sicily, began building what became the Cathedral of Monreale in 1174. Legends suggest that the Virgin appeared to William in a dream and suggested that a church be built at the place he slept. Upon awakening it is claimed that gold was found under the tree against which he slept. This then was used to begin construction. Less fanciful is the suggestion that the King built this incredible place as he wanted to outshine the Bishop of Palermo who was then building a cathedral in the capital. Tensions had arisen between the King and Bishop largely due to the tolerance shown by the King for his Arab and Greek subjects. The Bishop wanted to build the influence and power of his church at the expense of others. The Cathedral at Monreale is another example of the fusion of styles that came about for the brief period of tolerance that the Norman Kings enabled. The views from the roof of the Cathedral over Palermo is wonderful to experience as also is the glimpse of the adjacent cloister. In the cloister the columns exhibit decoration and carvings that are individually unique and do not repeat around the quadrangle. If in Palermo this is another highlight that should not be missed.

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