Royal tombs, a mix of styles and a walk on the roofs
Palermo Cathedral is a stone history book: founded by the Normans in 1185 on the site of a mosque, it was enlarged and altered over the centuries, so that Gothic towers, Arab-Norman decorations, a Catalan Gothic portico and a neoclassical dome coexist in one building.
Inside, the chapel of Santa Rosalia keeps the silver urn of the city's patron saint, and in the aisle stand the imperial and royal tombs in porphyry of Roger II, Emperor Henry VI and Frederick II. The treasury holds the jewelled crown of Constance of Aragon. A spectacular route takes you onto the roofs, from which you look over the domes and the city to Monte Pellegrino.
Tip: the roof tour is best at sunset; in July the Festino di Santa Rosalia brings a huge procession and fireworks to the city.
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