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Sicily

Monreale is a town located on a hill above of Palermo, in Sicily, It is located on the slope of Monte Caputo, overlooking the very fertile valley called the Golden Shell, a production area of orange, olive and almond trees, the produce of which is exported in large quantities. The town, has a population of approximately 39,000.

The cathedral of Monreale is one of the greatest extant examples of Norman architecture. It was begun in 1174 by William II and completed four years later. In 1182 th

The cathedral of Monreale is one of the greatest extant examples of Norman architecture. It was begun in 1174 by William II and completed four years later. In 1182.

The church is a national monument of Italy and one of the most important attractions of Sicily.

The main internal feature is the large extent glass mosaics. With the exception of a high chair rails, made of marble slabs with bands of mosaic between them, the whole interior surface of the walls, including soffits and jambs of all the arches, is covered with minute mosaic-pictures in bright colors on a gold ground. The mosaic pictures, depicting stories from both the Old and New Testament, are arranged in tiers, divided by horizontal and vertical bands

The subjects in the nave begin with scenes from the Book of Genesis, illustrating the Old Testament types of Christ and His scheme of redemption, with figures of those who prophesied and prepared for His coming.

The half dome of the central apse has a colossal half-length figure of Christ, with a seated Virgin and Child below; the other apses have full-length figures of St Peter and St Paul.

The subjects in the nave begin with scenes from the Book of Genesis, illustrating the Old Testament types of Christ and His scheme of redemption, with figures of those who prophesied and prepared for His coming. Around the lower tier and the choir are subjects from the New Testament, chiefly representing Christ's miracles and suffering, with apostles, evangelists and other saints

Around the lower tier and the choir are subjects from the New Testament, chiefly representing Christ's miracles and suffering, with apostles, evangelists and other saints

The half dome of the central apse has a colossal half-length figure of Christ, with a seated Virgin and Child below; the other apses have full-length figures of St Peter and St Paul.

The plaza in Monreale

View of Palermo from Monreale

Another view of Palermo

View of Downtown Palermo from Monreale

Just around the corner from the Plaza we find a fsih market selling seafood. Check out this just caught Tuna.

That is one heck of a big tuna being carved up.

View of the plaza from the fish market.

All handmade pottery for sale.

Agriturismo Tenute Pipisa .- Segesta- is located in Calatafimi . A great location for lunch today. It is surrounded by vineyards with garden views, a fantastic restaurant, Inn and pool. Driving into the property on a dirt road in the distance you for the first time see the great Doric Temple . It was surreal in its presence and beauty.

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