Church of Saint John of the Hermits

Catholic church · Palermo

Church of Saint John of the Hermits

Catholic church · Palermo

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Via dei Benedettini, 16, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy

Photos

Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null
Church of Saint John of the Hermits by null

Highlights

Medieval church with red domes, Arab-Norman architecture  

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Via dei Benedettini, 16, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy Get directions

google.com

Information

Static Map

Via dei Benedettini, 16, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy Get directions

+39 091 651 5019
google.com

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Oct 29, 2025

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@afar

"The architecture of San Giovanni degli Eremiti (St. John of the Hermits) reflects the story of Palermo over the centuries—a monastery built in the 6th century, replaced by a mosque under the Arab occupation, replaced by a monastery for Benedictine monks under Norman rule in the 12th century, and standing today as an example of the Arab-Norman influence pervasive throughout Sicily. Take time to enjoy the quiet respite of the cloister, where a garden of fragrant citrus trees surrounds an Arab cistern."

The Essential Guide to Palermo
View Postcard for San Giovanni degli Eremiti

Oliver Schofield

Google
A beautiful and tranquil medieval ruin. Although the entrance fee is a little on the steep side, it's an amazing place to take your time admiring the architecture and relaxing in the shade.

Rob Jones

Google
This was my favourite place to visit in Palermo. It is an oasis of calm and rest. The only weak aspect of our visit was one of the staff on the path near the entrance who was sitting watching loud YouTube clips on his phone. Anyway, moving on, it was quiet from that point. We picked a day when very few people were visiting. The excavations in the main church were interesting. The bells toll at midday which was lovely hearing the tuned minor third between the two bells. We did see a couple of people climbing the bell tower with hard hats, but this wasn't offered to us on entry.

Nat Nattaya

Google
Ticket 8€ /person is too expensive and nothing interesting inside

Sharon Hsieh

Google
7€ to see a courtyard Was cute but other than the 3 red domes and the cute courtyard Sure it was an interesting setting but 7€ you can visit much interesting/pretty/ overall aesthetically worthy places

mö öp

Google
8 Euro for a small unspectular church with garden. We don't get any Ticket - think, what you want... I cannot recommend.

Dimi Rogatchev

Google
Important part of the Sicilian heritage dating back from the Byzantine Empire! This place is giving you a different view of all churches and places you can see in the city. Worth seeing it as it is near the main attractions. The entrance is €6 per person over 18 and you would need approximately 30 minutes. It is a nice place to refresh in a hot summer day in Palermo.

Daniel Gronvius

Google
Very cute gardens and intresting chapel but in no way worth the 8 euros they charge. Skip.

Jon Chen

Google
One of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, very close to the nearby Norman Palace. I wouldn't recommend this place as a must-see but if you have a particular interest in Arab-Norman architecture a visit is worthwhile. Please note you cannot climb up the bell tower from this church.
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Bruce K.

Yelp
Originally built as a Benedictine monastery and founded by Pope Gregory in 581, when Sicily was invaded by Muslims in the 9th century, the monastery was destroyed and rebuilt as a mosque. And then in 1132, Norman King Roger II reconsecreated the mosque as a church. Disctinctive for the red domes at the top of the church, these are leftover homages to the Arab style. The church itself is a Latin Cross decorated with white bricks. Inside, much of the church is now greenery with tropical plants and trees. Entry is a minor €6 and is well worth it. You just can't see all of this from the outside. The garden is beautiful and the structure itself is very well preserved. There are some beautiful photos to be taken here. I'm really glad I learned about this place and if you're near the Palermo cathedral, make the walk to this church. You will not be disappointed. [Review 12827 overall, 142 of 2020.]