Things to Do at Palermo Cathedral

Complete Guide to Palermo Cathedral in Sicily

About Palermo Cathedral

Palermo Cathedral stands as one of Sicily's most fascinating architectural puzzles - a building that's been continuously reinvented over nearly nine centuries. What you see today is essentially a greatest hits collection of architectural styles, from Norman foundations to Arab-influenced details to an 18th-century neoclassical dome that honestly looks like it belongs on a completely different building. The result might sound chaotic, but it's actually quite striking in its own eclectic way. The cathedral houses the tombs of Norman kings and Holy Roman emperors, including Frederick II, which gives you a sense of just how central this place has been to Sicilian power for centuries. Beyond the royal crypts, you'll find an impressive treasury filled with medieval crowns and religious artifacts, plus the chance to climb up to the roof for some genuinely spectacular views over Palermo's jumbled cityscape.

What to See & Do

Royal Tombs

The elaborate sarcophagi of Norman and Swabian rulers, including Frederick II and Roger II, housed in beautiful porphyry and marble tombs that feel surprisingly intimate for such grand figures

Cathedral Treasury

An impressive collection of medieval crowns, including Constance of Aragon's 12th-century crown studded with gems, plus religious reliquaries and precious manuscripts

Roof Terraces

A climb up narrow stairs leads to panoramic terraces offering some of the best views in Palermo, with the mountains, sea, and the city's maze of streets spread out below

Cappella di Santa Rosalia

The ornate chapel dedicated to Palermo's beloved patron saint, decorated with beautiful frescoes and housing a silver urn containing her relics

Astronomical Meridian

A fascinating 18th-century astronomical instrument built into the cathedral floor that still functions as a solar calendar and timepiece

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open daily 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, though the treasury and roof access typically have more limited hours (usually 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM). Hours can vary seasonally and for religious services.

Tickets & Pricing

Basic cathedral entry is free. Combined tickets for treasury, royal tombs, and roof access cost around €7-10 for adults. You can buy individual access tickets, but the combined ticket is usually better value.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon tend to be less crowded. The light is particularly beautiful in late afternoon for roof visits, and you'll avoid the midday tour groups.

Suggested Duration

Allow about 1-2 hours if you're doing the full experience with treasury and roof access, or 30-45 minutes for just the main cathedral

Getting There

Walking beats driving here-trust me. The cathedral sits in Palermo's historic center, about 10 minutes on foot from the main train station. Parking is brutal. You can catch buses to Teatro Politeama and walk from there, or just navigate the old town streets directly to the church. The distinctive dome makes it easy to spot among all those medieval buildings around it.

Things to Do Nearby

Palazzo dei Normanni
The striking Norman palace with its famous Palatine Chapel covered in golden mosaics, about a 5-minute walk away

Quattro Canti
The baroque intersection that marks the heart of historic Palermo, where you can people-watch and admire the ornate building facades

Ballarò Market
One of Palermo's most authentic street markets, perfect for grabbing lunch and experiencing the city's chaotic, wonderful food culture

Teatro Massimo
Italy's largest opera house and one of Europe's most impressive, offering tours even when performances aren't scheduled

Martorana Church
A small but spectacular church with some of the finest Norman-era mosaics in Sicily, often less crowded than the major sites

Tips & Advice

The roof access involves climbing quite a few narrow stone steps - it's not particularly difficult, but worth knowing if you have mobility concerns

Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but flash might be restricted in the treasury and near the tombs

If you're interested in the astronomical meridian, visit around noon when it actually functions - there are usually information plaques explaining how it works

The cathedral can get surprisingly busy during religious services and on Sundays, so weekday mornings tend to be more peaceful for exploring