Monreale, Sicily: The Cathedral + Other Cool Things to Do!
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It’s no secret that Sicily is dotted with some of the most stunning cathedrals in Europe. But there’s one that stands out from the rest – the Monreale Cathedral. You’ll find this 12th-century gem in the tiny hilltop town of Monreale, Sicily, which is just 30 minutes from the heart of Palermo.
Despite its proximity to the Sicilian capital, Monreale often gets skipped over by visitors. But trust me when I say you don’t want to miss out on this gem. While this cathedral is arguably one of the top things to see in all of Palermo, the medieval hamlet of Monreale is worth a visit in its own right.
You’ll want to spend at least an hour or two exploring the Monreale Cathedral. But don’t stop there! Once you’ve had your fill of neck-craning views of the gilded interiors, mindblowing Byzantine mosaics, and the views from the rooftop, be sure to take some time to explore the old town.
If you’re wondering what to do in Monreale, Sicily, this guide has got you covered. From enjoying panoramic views of Palermo and the Tyrrhenian Sea to hunting down Monreale’s famous biscuits from a family-run bakery and dining at the cute restaurants, you’re going to love exploring the tiny town of Monreale, Sicily.
Quick Monreale, Sicily Travel Tips
Getting from Palermo to Monreale: You can easily make the 1-hour journey from the city center to Monreale on the public AMAT bus #389 for roughly €2 (buy tickets at any tabacchi). Or you can arrange a private driver to take you to Monreale and back to Palermo.
Monreale Cathedral hours: The hours are a bit random, so make sure Monreale Cathedral is open when you visit. It’s generally open from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.
Where to eat in Monreale: For lunch, I suggest the focaccia sandwiches at La Bodeguita dei Sapori. For dinner, Osteria Peper’s does amazing traditional Sicilian pastas and dishes.
Where to find Monreale Biscuits: Seek out Dolceria Antico Biscottificio Modica. You won’t regret it!
Top tour: If you’d like to make the most of your time, this popular Monreale and Cefalù Half-Day Trip takes you to both Monreale Cathedral and the medieval seaside town of Cefalù, which is a must-visit.
Helpful Sicily posts:
~ My Favorite Things to Do in Taormina, Sicily + Handy Travel Tips!
~ A Guide to Charming Cefalù, Sicily: Things to Do, See & Eat!
~ A Guide to Magical Modica: Sicily’s Capital of Chocolate
What to Do in Monreale, Sicily
Tour the Monreale Cathedral
There’s no doubt that seeing the Monreale Cathedral is the number one thing on your to-do list. And it should be. Anyone who skips over this UNESCO World Heritage site is seriously missing out. Explore the cathedral, and you’ll find over 130 Byzantine mosaics depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, as well as a massive mosaic of Christ Pantocrator. The interior is said to be adorned with over 2,200 kilograms of gold, which is astonishing when you think about it!
Tickets & Opening hours
If you’re visiting the Monreale Cathedral independently, you can easily book your tickets at the entrance. While you used to have a variety of ticket options to choose from, things appear to have been simplified at the time of writing.
You can access the entire complex for €10 or tack on a visit to the Diocesan Museum for €12. Unfortunately, the museum was closed when I visited, but I would have happily paid an extra €2 to visit. Both options give you access to the cathedral’s interior, the Roano Chapel, the Cloister of the Benedictines, and the cathedral’s terraces (pictured above: the views over Palermo from the rooftop terraces are absolutely stunning!).
Hours: You’ll definitely want to double-check the opening hours of the Monreale Cathedral ahead of visiting. It is generally open from Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm. But do note that it is closed on Sundays.
Meander around Quatiere Ciambra
Located just off of the eastern edge of the Monreale Cathedral is the Quartiere Ciambra (or the Ciambra Quarter). Dating back to the 12th century, this is the oldest part of Monreale and it’s where the workers who constructed the cathedral lived back in the day.
Today, this small but well-preserved neighborhood is home to charming houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and some amazing restaurants, including the popular Le Barrique, Ciambra Restaurant, and Osteria Peper’s. Whether you’re wining and dining here or not, it’s well worth walking around the area to see the colorful homes and old-world architecture.
Grab lunch at La Bodeguita dei Sapori
For the best focaccia sandwiches in Monreale, don’t miss out on La Bodeguita dei Sapori (Google Maps location). This place is just steps from the Monreale Cathedral. They bake up mouthwatering focaccia bread and some seriously addictive sandwiches, pastas, and charcuterie boards. You might as well order an Aperol spritz, too!
Hours: This place is open from 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Relax in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele is the main square of Monreale. It’s located right outside the Monreale Cathedral so you can’t miss it. This is where you’ll find the famed Triton’s Fountain, which was made by a Palermo-based sculptor in 1881.
You can simply take a seat on one of the benches and admire the cathedral from the outside. Or, if you’re feeling peckish, there are a handful of restaurants lining the square where you can grab a bite to eat with gorgeous cathedral views.
Lunch with a view at Vintage Enoteca Bistrót
For sweeping views over Palermo and the ocean, make your way to Vintage Enoteca Bistrót (Google Maps location). This place serves up Sicilian eats, including reasonably priced cheese and charcuterie boards, and delicious wine, beer, and cocktails. Snag a seat on the terrace and you’ll get to savor the best views in town.
Hours: Mondays from 11 am to 4 pm; Tuesday-Saturday 11 am to 2 am; Sunday 4:30 pm to 1:30 am
Or see the view for free at Punto Panoramico Monreale
If you’re wondering what to do in Monreale, Sicily, for free, make your way to Vintage Enoteca Bistró anyway. This is also the site of the Punto Panoramico Monreale and the views are absolutely free to enjoy!
Sample sweet treats at Dolceria Antico Biscottificio Modica
Located a short stroll from the Monreale Cathedral and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, Dolceria Antico Biscottificio Modica (Google Maps location) is a must if you’re looking for delicious things to do in Monreale. This family-run bakery has been churning out sweet confections for nearly a century and everything I tried there was so good.
The shop is just brimming with goodies – to the point where I wasn’t sure where to begin. But the lovely man behind the counter gave us a couple of free samples and pointed out a few local favorites. My best advice is to just get a box with a few of everything so you can sample as many of their cookies as possible.
That being said, you simply have to try the famous Monreale biscuits, which were first prepared by nuns in Monreale in the 16th century. They’re the S-shaped cookies with white frosting.
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