Palermo Cathedral

Cathedral · Palermo

Palermo Cathedral

Cathedral · Palermo

Via Vittorio Emanuele, 490, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy

Highlights

Architectural mix, free entry, rooftop views, crypt, museum

Via Vittorio Emanuele, 490, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy Get directions

cattedrale.palermo.it

@palermo_cathedral_official

@travelleisure

11 Best Cities to Visit in Italy

"A striking example of the city’s layered architectural history, reflecting the blend of Arab, Norman, Byzantine, and Baroque influences that characterize the island’s capital." - Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz is a writer and editor based in Rome. She has been contributing to Travel + Leisure since 2014, when she started as a fact checker before becoming a contributing digital editor in 2015. She has also held positions as a contributing editor at The Points Guy and the NYC cities editor at DuJour Magazine. In addition to Travel + Leisure, her writing has appeared in Architectural Digest, Surface Magazine, Brooklyn Magazine, T Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, GQ, Departures, Afar, Fodor's, Town & Country, Condé Nast Traveler, Robb Report, Hemispheres, and others. When she's not jetsetting around Italy and beyond, she can be found in Rome, enjoying some cacio e pepe or relaxing at home with her husband and two dogs. Originally from the Boston area, Laura moved to New York City in 2011 to pursue a master's degree in creative writing and translation at Columbia University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in French from Smith College. * 10+ years of experience writing and editing * Co-wrote "New York: Hidden Bars & Restaurants," an award-winning guide to New York City's speakeasy scene published by Jonglez Editions in 2015 * Contributed to "Fodor's Brooklyn," published by Penguin Random House in 2015, which won silver in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism competition * Contributed an essay to "Epic Hikes of Europe," published by Lonely Planet in 2021 * Updated the 2022 edition of "Fodor's Essential Italy" Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/cities-in-italy-8708839

View Postcard for Palermo Cathedral

@cntraveler

In Palermo, Secrets and Stories Await Around Every Corner

"A stunning architectural chaos reflecting Palermo's diverse historical influences, including Norman and Arab designs."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/in-palermo-secrets-and-stories-await-around-every-corner

View Postcard for Palermo Cathedral

@afar

"One of Italy's most architecturally diverse buildings, the Palermo Cathedral has an imposing exterior that combines Arab, Norman, Gothic, neoclassical and Baroque styles. Inside, look for the heliometer—a bronze line embedded in the floor that serves as a calendar when a hole in the ceiling lets the midday sun shine onto corresponding zodiac signs. A museum holds religious artifacts, and there's also an underground crypt."

The Essential Guide to Palermo

View Postcard for Cattedrale di Palermo

maia macharashvili

Google

I visited this magnificent cathedral in May, and it was truly one of the highlights of my trip to Palermo. The moment you approach the building, you’re struck by its grand façade and unique mix of architectural styles — Norman, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical — all beautifully layered through centuries of history. It’s a place where art, faith, and culture come together in a breathtaking way. Inside, the cathedral is just as impressive. The soaring arches, intricate details, and serene atmosphere create a powerful sense of history. It’s fascinating to walk through and imagine all the generations that have passed here. The royal tombs are especially interesting, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich past. Don’t miss going up to the rooftop — the panoramic view over Palermo and the surrounding mountains is unforgettable. The combination of history, architecture, and scenery makes this place truly special. ✨ I was genuinely happy to visit this incredible site. It’s not just a monument, but a living piece of Palermo’s soul. Absolutely worth a visit!

Inyourvicinity

Google

We came out of a narrow street to the north east and were greeted by this massive building and nice open space. The stonework is so well preserved for 900 years old and the inside is kept spotless clean. We didn't have time to tour the museum and rooftop walk but I believe 18euro allows access to both. There is a bronze line on the floor with pictures of several constellations that shows the passing of the sun through the window on certain days. Very interesting to find that in a church. There are a few large statues outside in the spacious piazza that are also worth a close look if you have time

Ray Blakebrough

Google

Set in a beautiful square alongside its museum. The cathedral had a very modern feel. We did get in without waiting in line however, the building was very busy with tour groups. I would recommend heading to crypt which really is fascinating. For those who wish you can also access the upstairs via a dtstcase hidden behind a panel in the main building. For individual travellers tickets can be bought from their ticket office @ 18 Euros. The office also has toilets available at 1 Euro per person.

Declan

Google

Obviously a must-visit for any trip to Palermo. A mixed of cultures, styles and design. The real beauty is the exterior, as the inside was very simply rennovated years ago during a process to make the cathedral more resistant to earthquakes. The main church is free but opt for buying the roof ticket for €7pp for a great view of that exterior as mentioned

Cheryl Theunissen

Google

Magnificent cathedral and museum complex with roof top access covered with the complete ticket- €18PP, kids under 11 yrs are free or €1. Well worth the tour, all rooms have an explanation sheet and pamphlets available in multiple languages. Well preserved piece of history.

Stephen Whiteley

Google

Palermo Cathedral is a breathtaking masterpiece that captures the city’s rich history and cultural fusion in a single monument. Rising majestically in the heart of Palermo, it blends Norman, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements into a unique and awe-inspiring whole, reflecting the many civilizations that shaped Sicily. The intricate exterior, with its arches and carvings, invites you to pause and admire every detail, while the vast interior houses royal tombs, sacred treasures, and a sense of solemn grandeur. Climbing to the rooftop is an unforgettable experience, offering panoramic views over Palermo’s rooftops and mountains. More than just a place of worship, the Cathedral is a living symbol of the city’s soul—an unmissable five-star highlight for any visitor.

ImmerTwin

Google

On a business trip doing some virtual scans for clients and decided to take the rest of this beautiful morning off and visit the cathedral. What a beautiful place. Definitely worth a visit if you are in Palermo.

T Evans

Google

We enjoyed visiting Palermo Cathedral. Highly recommend climbing to the rooftop. It was €7 per adult and €4 for under 18. Spectacular views of Palermo, really gives you a great feel for the city. We were there during 5pm mass and experienced a procession and a busy church. Highly recommend.

Carrie M.

Yelp

There really isn't much to do in Palermo, so you should definitely visit the main cathedral. I just walked around the perimeter and took a quick look inside when they opened the doors. There was some scaffolding blocking the front, so there wasn't much to see inside. You can pay to go up to the roof, pay a separate fee to go down to the crypt, and I think there are other attractions they advertise that you can pay to enter here. This cathedral has a cool history, although I think taking a look at the architecture from the outside will suffice.

Kelly S.

Yelp

Beautiful church in Palermo, great location that became a meeting place for our group. Church is free to enter, very pretty. Six euros to visit the room, with spectacular views. Our group didn't go to the roof because of the crowd. Church was built in 1185, lots of history here. The place is very big. Beware of all the people surrounding the area, pickpocketing can be an issue.

Katie A.

Yelp

Another lovely church. You can go up on the roof, which I would highly recommend. Lovely views. There are other attractions here such as a crypt and tombs, but we did not spend time visiting either of these.

Robert H.

Yelp

This is a must see if in Palermo. This was my second time there, but this time I was on my own Vice a guided tour one a set schedule. The freedom to wander was greatly appreciated. I recommend buying you ticket immediately. The roof access is on a set schedule and the tickets are being sold continuously. Wander around and take it all the beauty and history of the Cathedral. There is tons to see and you can honestly spend hours there and not see everything. Glad I went back and would go back if in Palermo.

Lena S.

Yelp

The history of Sicily is so complicated. It's been under different rulers and religion. This Cathedral is absolutely amazing, beautiful. It's definitely worth it to take a ticket that includes all the attractions, including the roof, where you can see a panoramic view of the city. Just keep in mind that the stairs to the roof are very narrow , The adjacent building is the one where the bishops live. Totally worth visiting

Bruce K.

Yelp

Free to enter the main part of the building and enjoy the pews, the altar and the side chapels. The sarcophagus of Frederick II of Hohensaufen is there and has been since the 18th century. Initially erected in 1185 and of course lots of additions since then including the corner towers in the 14th and 15th century, then an update between 1781 and 1801. The current main entrance was erected in 1465. And if that's all you see, you're doing okay. Then for €6, you can purchase a ticket to visit the roof of the cathedral and that's awesome. You'll climb 110 steps (I suggest you count as you do it) up a stone circular staircase and then you're outside. Today was clear and it was a lovely 70 degrees (about 19 Celsius) and so we had about 20 minutes in the Sun. Amazing views from up here. So awesome. Wow! My friend purchased the ticket to see the crypt below. I skipped that but she enjoyed it. One of the symbols of Palermo, definitely do not miss out! [Review 12822 overall, 137 of 2020.]

Richard F.

Yelp

The Palermo Cathedral was built in 1185. It is dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is an amazing architectural structure because of the different styles used when additions, alterations and restorations occurred in the 18th century. A must see when you visit the city.

David I.

Yelp

I would advise if you have time and you are in Palermo on a day that has great weather I would suggest paying the 5 euros to climbing to the roof of the Cattedrale di Palermo as it has an amazing view of the city and is a pretty damn unique thing to be able to do. The tours run fairly frequently and the groups are around 10-15 people so I would advise buying your ticket for the next tour before exploring the interior, I made the rookie error of exploring the church first and having to wait around for the next tour to start.