DUOMO DI CEFALU

The construction of this cathedral by the Normans was motivated by a fantastic legend. While travelling with his fleet between Salerno and Reggio, Roger II (the Norman king who ruled Sicily at the time) was surprised by a violent storm. He prayed to God, promising to build a church where he would land safely. The waves calmed down, the wind stopped blowing and King Roger landed in Cefalù. In 1131, keeping his promise, he laid the foundation stone of this church, in a place that was already urbanized and where a Roman road and paleochristian mosaics were recently discovered in its foundations.
Built in its core at the foot of the Rocca rock, and inspired by the church of Saint-Denis, this building has the character of a fortress, with its two massive towers, lightened, however, by the bifore (having two bays) and monofora mullioned windows. It is preceded by a huge square terrace, built over the ancient cemetery. The façade, originally covered with mosaics, dates from 1240, while the portico, with its three arcades, dates from 1471. The interior follows a basilica plan with a dome (inspired this time by the cathedral of Monreale), separated by three naves and lined with columns from the 2nd century BC, some of which are made of pink granite. The church also has oriental elements such as its raised heart, covered with mosaics. The uncluttered space and a certain unity of tone make this place particularly serene, despite the stern gaze of the Christ Pantocrator that stands out from the apse.

This impressive Byzantine figure dominates the interior of the building. It depicts Christ blessing his faithful with one hand and holding the open Gospel in the other hand, on which one can read: "I am the light: he who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. "This is the oldest and most expressive representation of Christ to be found in Sicily. Victor Cronin, in his book The Honeycomb Island, describes it as follows: "The eyes, by their size and dominant position, seem to observe everything. They remain inscrutable and severe, while not being devoid of compassion and love. »

The cloister that is accessed from inside the cathedral is also exceptional: notice the finesse of the twin columns and the pointed arches. The capitals are Byzantine, with lions and special motifs.