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Monreale
With a splendid position high above the Conca d’Oro, the Monte Reale in Norman times was a royal hunting lodge and residence. It was not until William II decided to build the famous cathedral with a royal palace and monastery attached, that a town developed in its own right in the area. The city’s heart and soul is still represented by the area radiating from the cathedral. On the north side lies Piazza Vittorio Emanuele with its fine Fontana del Tritone. The main front, however, overlooks the smaller Piazza Guglielmo, that gives access both to the cloister and a small public garden (last doorway on the right facing the cloister entrance). Beyond a large courtyard is a fine garden with a magnificent view over the Conca d’Oro. The warren of streets around are all lined with charming cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops. |
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