Cefalù is one of the main attractions of Sicily’s northern coast. A world-famous location, Cefalù offers unforgettable beaches but also authentic pearls of Sicilian history and culture. Among them, one can only be mentioned his Dome.
Cefalù Cathedral: between history and tradition
A masterpiece of Arab-Norman art, with some features assimilated directly fromByzantine art, Cefalù Cathedral – tradition has it – is said to have originated as a gift from the Norman king Roger II of Altavilla to the Holy Savior. The Norman king was on his way to Palermo from Salerno, but his fleet would be swept away by a violent storm, from which only Christ was able to save him. Hence, the gift of the cathedral of Cefalù, work on which began immediately, in 1131 (the consecration of the church would not take place until 1267).
However, the tradition is contradicted by some evidence suggesting that the cathedral structure existed at least a century before the advent of Roger II as a defensive fort. In fact, the appearance that is shown to the visiting tourist, as soon as he passes the promontory of Santa Lucia (west of Cefalu itself) and stands before the cathedral and the town, is precisely that of a fortress.
Some interesting facts about Cefalu Cathedral
- King Roger II began the work in 1131 and imagined that the church would become a mausoleum for his family (which is why he had two sarcophagi arranged as early as 1145). In fact, he did not see the end of the work in time, and the ruler was buried in Palermo.
- The two sarcophagi were taken from Cefalù Cathedral and moved to that of Palermo by Emperor Frederick II, who would later use them for himself and his father Henry VI.
- The latest changes made to the structure of the cathedral are its stained glass windows, made between 1985 and 2001 by Michele Canzoneri. The altar, on the other hand, made of bronze and gold, dates back to 1992.
- Standing out inside the cathedral is certainly the Christ Pantocrator, a work rich in symbols and meanings, from the position of Christ’s right hand, portrayed in the act of blessing, to the Holy Scriptures held by his left hand. The text is opened on some verses from John, which read “I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will not wander in darkness but will have the light of life.”
- The real name of the cathedral is Cathedral Basilica of the Transfiguration.
The most recent interventions
The history of the cathedral is a succession of continuous improvements and alterations over the centuries, up to the addition of the staircase from the top of which the cathedral towers over the rest of the city (the work of 1851). These continuous works led thearchitecture of Cefalù Cathedral to be a mixture of very different artistic styles.
Among the interventions made at the turn of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, one can certainly list the wooden Cross by Guglielmo da Pesaro, the sculptures of theAnnouncing Angel and the Annunciation (circa 1484) attributed to Giorgio da Milano, and, finally, a marble statue of the Madonna and Child, attributable to Antonello Gagini and dated 1533.
Given the period of its construction, its structure and the works of art enclosed in it, today the cathedral has been included in theArab-Norman itinerary linking Palermo, Monreale and Cefalù; it was also recognized in 2015 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to see in Cefalù: visits and itineraries to the cathedral
The Basilica can be visited by tourists and lovers of art and history, except during the times when religious services are held.
- During the months of January, February, March, November and December, it is possible to visit Cefalu Cathedral every day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- In April, May and June, however, continuous hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. are followed.
- The months of July and August include visits from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
On some evenings (Aug. 4, 15 and 22, as well as Sept. 12) there are evening openings, from 9 p.m. to midnight.
The routes that can be followed are many. Admission to the Basilica is free, while guided tours in the cloister or interactive tours include different itineraries made available to tourists and visitors for a fee that can also be purchased online. The itineraries in Cefalù Cathedral (distinguished by the colors red, green and blue) allow visitors to admire the beauty of the basilica from different points of view, all to be discovered.