Cefalu and a steep climb for a view

Having picked up the car, Monreale was our first stop, to visit the Duomo which was built by Roger’s grandson, William II and is huge

2,200 kg of pure gold were used to make the 6,370 sqm of mosaics which include a huge Christ Panocrator in the apse and continue to run round the nave like a biblical strip cartoon illustrating the testaments for a congregation who could not read. Unfortunately, by the time we thought about taking some pictures, we were asked to leave for the morning service. Afterwards we went into the peaceful 12C cloister where arcades were supported by mosaic columns each with a carved capital showing scenes from daily life and the bible. The fountain was used by the Benedictine monks to wash before eating.

We also found outside walls decorated by carving and inlay, and a great view of Palermo.

We continued to Cefalu (pronounced chefaloo) and after several circumnavigations of the town, realised the right road was the one with the restricted entry sign as confirmed by a nice policeman! We found the B&B, dropped the luggage and set off again down a very narrow alley to park the car. Cefalu is very picturesque with narrow cobbled streets, decorated with flowers and drying laundry. There is a long stretch of golden sand with lots of visitors on a sunny Sunday. The Duomo was built by Roger II to be his burial place, and is very impressive from outside, on a hill with soaring towers. Inside the apse is decorated with mosaic but you can’t get very close to see them properly.

We walked up rather a lot of steps to Parco della Rocco, high above the town where there were some lovely views of the town and out to sea.

Returning to the B&B, we sat on the terrace, watching the swifts flit about and the sheep precariously graze the mountain, while listening to a folk group playing outside the church.

Next we continue inland.