#arabnorman

[davidstanleytravel]

The Arab-Norman Chiesa Capitolare di San Cataldo (1160) in Palermo, Italy, is unique for its three Islamic domes over the central nave.

[paramedicabroad]

Arab-Norman Palermo & the Cathedral Churches of Cefalu & Monreale

Join me on a virtual journey through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale in Sicily, Italy. Let's delve into a landscape where Islamic, Norman, and Byzantine influences converge to create a tapestry of architectural marvels. From the bustling streets of Palermo to the serene settings of Cefalù and Monreale, Sicily's Arab-Norman heritage invites you to explore a rich fusion of cultures.

In 2015, the Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale were collectively inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This recognition celebrates the unique synthesis of cultures and architectural styles that flourished during this remarkable period in Sicilian history.

Wander through the streets of Palermo, a city where Arab, Norman, and Byzantine influences intertwine. Explore the vibrant markets, like the Ballarò and Vucciria, where echoes of diverse cultural heritages resonate through the bustling alleys.

Discover the Arab-Norman architectural wonders of Palermo, exemplified by the Palatine Chapel within the Palazzo dei Normanni. Admire the intricate mosaics, horseshoe arches, and ornate ceilings that showcase the synthesis of Islamic and Norman artistic styles.

Embark on a journey to Cefalù and marvel at its cathedral, a testament to Norman grandeur. The Cathedral of Cefalù stands proudly against the backdrop of the Tyrrhenian Sea, its facades adorned with Byzantine-influenced mosaics depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

Ascend to the heights of Monreale to witness the grandeur of its cathedral. The Cathedral of Monreale, with its golden mosaics and awe-inspiring interior, seamlessly blends Norman, Arab, and Byzantine elements. The cloister, adorned with intricate columns and arches, serves as a serene retreat within this architectural masterpiece.

Admire the intricate mosaics that adorn the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale. These masterpieces, characterized by their vibrant colors and meticulous craftsmanship, narrate stories of religious significance, historical events, and cultural exchanges.

Explore how the Arab-Norman legacy continues to shape Sicily's cultural landscape today. Festivals, events, and ongoing preservation efforts ensure that these architectural treasures remain not just relics of the past but vibrant contributors to the region's dynamic identity.

In conclusion, Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale invite us to witness the fusion of civilizations that occurred in the heart of Sicily. When you're ready for a digital immersion into the cultural crossroads of the Mediterranean, these sites promise to captivate and transport you to a time of harmonious diversity. 🕌🏰✨🇮🇹

[allisonscola]

52 Reasons to Love Sicily. #3. When talking coolness factor, the city of Palermo goes to 11. It's European. It's north African. It's exotic. It's got flirtatious nightlife (La Vucciria open-air market becomes a people-watching hub after dark and in nearby Ballarò, jazz clubs take over the alleyways.). It's got high-art -- the city is home to one of Europe's largest opera houses, Teatro Massimo. Come hungry to enjoy "parts unknown" street food in Il Capo street market (in addition to the above mentioned Vucciria and Ballarò open-air wonders). Then there are ancient sites next to psychodelic baroque (Chiesa di Santa Caterina and Casa Professa, to name just two mind-blowing experiences!) next to Arab-Norman style architecture, next to Liberty Style... Oh, and royal palaces! Check out these mosaic-tiled lions (pictured) in the chambers of Roger II from the 12th century. And don't forget Castello della Zisa and then all of the baronial palazzi. Be scared, because I haven't even talked about the dead people in the Catacombe dei Cappuccini. Take my advice, one day isn't gonna do it for Palermo! #52reasonstolovesicily #experiencesicily #sicily #palermo #palazzodeinormanni #mosaics #mosaiche #lions #leoni #arabnorman #unesco #sicilia #siciliabedda #italy #italia #sicilyvacation #sicilians_world #ig_sicily #igerssicilia #instasicilia #ig_visitsicily #Sicilia_PhotoGroup #smallgrouptours #traveltogether #authenticsicily #smallgrouptoursitaly #whatsicilyis #viverlasicilia #sicilytour  (at Palermo, Italy) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNbokZ4FMro/?igshid=10g7avxccbxqk

[taumazoshop]

Here I show you the illustration of San Giovanni Degli Eremiti, which you can find on my online shop. 

 As written yesterday, I add now the second point of view concerning the question: 

The red domes of Arab-Norman Palermo - The domes dilemma: were they really red or not?", written by Dario Leggio and posted on the blog of Palermoviva. [...] This is in contrast to what the reporter of the X century Ibn Hawqal claims: "... you could admire the red domes immersed in the green of the Conca D'Oro". It's clear and evident that the Arabic reporter did not describe newly-built red domes, therefore not oxidized by atmospheric agents. Instead, he describes a frequent use of Arabic architecture of that time (i.e. in the Xth century) in actually painting red domes. [...] 

With this other paragraph, we have proof of how the domes under Roger II could be red. What do you think about it? Do you want to read more? Read the full article in Italian: https://www.palermoviva.it/le-cupole-rosse-della-palermo-arabo-normanna/ 

Please support independent artists: https://www.redbubble.com/people/taumazoShop/shop?asc=u&ref=account-nav-dropdown

[taumazoshop]

I have a RedBubble Shop now!

It’s this one: taumazoShop The one below is one of the graphics I am currently working on: a building (Church of San Cataldo) composed by its own description.  Once upon a time in Palermo, around the 12th century, there was not a simple church, but a huge palace. There are not many legends about this construction, but there is one about the patron: Admiral Majone of Bari. This man served King Roger II and his son William I, known as The Bad. If you are wondering why the king was called "the bad", he was also described as "short of intellect, vicious, not brave". Under such a king, Majone da Bari was the true governor of Sicily. The name of the palace he commissioned was Palazzo Majone. Majone da Bari would have been proud of the palace, but he never saw it completed: accused of causing riots in Sicily, he was murdered by the true protagonist of the legend: the Norman Matteo Bonelli, lord of Caccamo. Legend has it that the sword used to kill Majone is stuck on the door of the Archbishop's Palace at a height of three meters. And what happened to the Majone Palace? It was acquired by King William I, then his descendant William II donated it to the Cathedral of Monreale. For a while, it was the post office. Over the centuries many parts of Palazzo Maione have been destroyed. Only one chapel remained, which now is widely known as Church of San Cataldo.

[allisonscola]

The central apse of Monreale Cathedral features the benevolent Christ Almighty surrounded by saints. All Saints Day (November 1) is a day to remember saints known and unknown. Pictured around Jesus are San Biagio, San Martino, Santo Stefano, San Pietro, San Clemente, San Giacomo, San Matteo, San Damiano, and many more that are featured in this Arab Norman mosaic display from the late 12th century... Sant'Agata for one is just off the photo on the left. Today, take a moment to recall those in your life who are your living "saints" or angels. By practicing gratitude, you may find you are surrounded by saints too. #palermo #monreale #allsaints #allsaintsday #saints #jesus #christ #unesco #arabnorman #experiencesicily #sicily #sicilia #siciliabedda #italy #italia #sicilyvacation #sicilians_world #ig_sicily #igerssicilia #instasicilia #gf_italy #siculamenteDoc #sicily_tricolors #ig_visitsicily #Sicilia_PhotoGroup #smallgrouptours #traveltogether (at Duomo di Monreale) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4TyODxljyX/?igshid=p3hfwcktnq2z

[allisonscola]

The Capella Palatina, Royal Chapel ceiling is a in Palermo #experiencesicily #sicily #palermo #arabnorman #sicilia #siciliabedda #italy #italia #sicilyvacation (at Palazzo dei Normanni) https://www.instagram.com/p/CcP0RMhuxji/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[allisonscola]

Monreale Cathedral was built by King William II in the late 12th century, but we have to acknowledge the inspiration of his mother Margaret, who led Sicily for five years from 1166 to 1171, when her son was too young to have such responsibility. I invite you to listen to the latest "On Sicily," podcast, during which I speak with historian, author, and guide Jacqueline Alio about this fascinating and oft forgotten woman of the Arab Norman era: Margaret Queen of Sicily. ... Margaret of Navarre was hand-picked by Sicily’s Roger II to marry his heir William I. In 1149, at age 15, she left her home in Pamplona, Spain for Palermo. 16 years later, her dying husband named her “keeper of the entire realm,” until their son, William II, would come of age in five years’ time. At 31 years old, Margaret was the most powerful woman in Europe and the Mediterranean, and she successfully navigated the Kingdom of Sicily to maintain the progressive constitutional laws her father-in-law, Roger II, had established. Yet until now, historians barely mention her. Listen to ON SICILY at https://experiencesicily.com (Link in Bio) #thisissicily #experiencesicily #seeyousoonsicily #monreale #arabnorman #unesco #monrealecathedral #queenmargaret #queen #experiencesicily #sicily #sicilia #siciliabedda #italy #italia #sicilyvacation #sicilians_world #ig_sicily #igerssicilia #instasicilia #gf_italy #siculamenteDoc #sicily_tricolors #ig_visitsicily #Sicilia_PhotoGroup #smallgrouptours #traveltogether #authenticsicily #smallgrouptoursitaly (at Duomo di Monreale) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAMtqkrlj9C/?igshid=myz6yz4zo220