Palermo Cathedral image

Palermo Cathedral

Tourist attraction Catholic church Cathedral Catholic cathedral

One of the Best Places To Visits in Palermo


Address

Via Vittorio Emanuele, 490, 90134 Palermo PA, Italy

Website

www.cattedrale.palermo.it

Contact

+39 091 334373

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (36.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 7 am to 7 pm
  • Friday: 7 am to 7 pm
  • Saturday: 7 am to 7 pm
  • Sunday: 8 am to 7 pm
  • Monday: 7 am to 7 pm
  • Tuesday: 7 am to 7 pm
  • Wednesday: 7 am to 7 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: roof (28) cathedral (23) Palermo (19) visit (17) tombs (11) view (10) worth (10) church (9) nice (9) ticket (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Vince V. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a fantastic cathedral from the outside, it has a great view from the roof and it is beautiful on the inside. We visited in May 2022 on a weekday and there are restoration works going on inside and some scaffolding outside but no sign of any work being done on the 4 days we were there. It is set in a small square which like the church is open at 7.30am. The roof etc don't open until 10. This makes little sense as the early morning would be a much better time to see it. We got there just before 10 and there were plenty of people there and it is busy all day. I would recommend getting that first slot as it just gets busier after that. Well worth it, I can't see why they don't do more and the scaffolding will be there forever if no one ever uses it.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dave M. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice, buy the ticket for everything..the two best parts were the roof.. you walk up a very tight spiral staircase..a little taxing. Very good view from the roof. The crypt is also nice. Across the street (your ticket gets you in) if you are looking at the cathedral, it's to the left. There is a big museum, I think we paid fifteen euros for the whole thing.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marta W. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is a must in Palermo. It has rich inside ornaments, paintings and the space inside is so big that makes impression - even on nonbelievers. What I also recommend is a visit on the roof. It takes about 10 minutes to climb up the stairs (about 110 stairs), but it's worth. The panoramic view stays in mind.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elitsa D. 7 months ago on Google
    Palermo Cathedral is an incredibly lavish building. Every single detail is perfectly executed. Although I have been to the Vatican, I have not seen a more amazing and magnificent cathedral. Maintained and with a unique view both outside and inside. As long as he asks, for 7€ a person goes up to the roof, from where he has the opportunity to look at Palermo from above, as well as being closer to the tops - the towers of the impressive creation! Preserved in time. If I have to describe it in a few words - magnificence and opulence!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Max M. 2 years ago on Google
    Main church is open to public as it should be. If you want to see the treasures, the crypt with its 30 odd tombs and go on the roof, which I can 'highly' recommend then you pay €12, €10 for seniors.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Thomas H. 1 year ago on Google
    Quite extensive with lots to look at, even if the ticket isn't the cheapest (€15 for everything). The views from the roof are stunning, although you don't get that long up there. The roof wouldn't be suitable for someone who is claustrophobic, as there are quite confined areas. The museum you also access with the ticket is interesting, although would benefit from more information. The inside of the cathedral is much more modern than the outside, so provides quite a contrast!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J_Gogo 8 months ago on Google
    This cathedral is truly a feast for the eyes. The ornaments, the aisles, the tombs... Everything in this place makes you feel the sacredness of the place.I really recommend seeing this cathedral, also because from above it allows you to see the roofs of Palermo and truly appreciate every part of it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marcin S. 6 months ago on Google
    Palermo Cathedral is a stunning example of Norman architecture, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sicily. The cathedral is located in the heart of Palermo, and is surrounded by a number of other important historical buildings. It's worth going on the rooftop.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Patrícia N. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful monument located in the city centre with lots of cafés and shops around. We didn't go inside, but based on the long queue it can take a while to get inside. There is a nice square in front of the cathedral with some shade and benches where you can relax.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 C J. 9 months ago on Google
    Pretty cool place to see. I liked that it has a rooftop accessible and also down to the crypt. It was hot outside was relatively cool inside the cathedral, even with all the people. Line wasn't too long at high season. The crypts were cool to see with a few tombs and other artifacts. I found it to be a good stop.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Marc S. 1 year ago on Google
    Outside very beautiful, inside not so much. Certainly if you compare it to other churches in the neighbourhood. We also climbed to the roof. 7 euro entrance. View was nice.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ihor Z. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place. Do not miss the treasury with Constance of Aragon crown, it’s unbelievably beautiful. The tombs of Frederick II, his mother, father and grandfather are monumental. The rooftop has a great view over Palermo.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 January W. 1 year ago on Google
    Pricing may change but as of June 2022, the €7 euros to visit the roofs and tombs are absolutely worth it. The views from atop the cathedral are stunning, you can see the Palermo skyline and the surrounding mountains and sea
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ann F. 1 year ago on Google
    Due to a wedding I didn't get to spend very long in the cathedral. The loveliest thing was when a child toppled something he shouldn't have been touching the priest just gave a goofey smile, so typical of Palermo where the people are the loveliest you will meet anywhere. The cathedral is of course fabulous. There is an app which might be useful to download before you visit. If you're around for August they have at least one evening visit left.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Beat A. S. 1 year ago on Google
    This massive cathedral started in the 1100s as a church, became a mosque (you can see the different style and inscriptions form the Quran), and later became a church again. The inside was a bit underwhelming. Some ceiling paintings and side chapels were nice. You can get on the roof for a good view of Palermo. For an extra fee, you can visit the royal tombs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Joseph V. 6 months ago on Google
    The place is a must visit when in Palermo. The excursion to the roof top which costs €7 per person was worth it in terms of the panoramic experience, and expensive when considering that the amount only gives access to the view for 10 minutes (no time limit....but how much time can one spend on a platform shaped roof of 20 mtrs length by 1 mtr width?). The price should be revised down in my opinion.

  • 5/5 Humberto D. 4 months ago on Google
    Cattedrale di Palermo, a masterpiece of Norman architecture, graces Palermo's skyline with its majestic presence. Built in the 12th century, the cathedral boasts a unique blend of architectural styles, showcasing influences from various periods. Its intricate details, including Arab-Norman mosaics and Gothic elements, create a visual feast. The cathedral offers insightful guided tours that unravel its historical and artistic significance, providing a deeper understanding of Sicily's cultural evolution. A visit to Cattedrale di Palermo is not just a glimpse into the past but a profound exploration of the island's rich heritage and architectural splendor.

  • 4/5 Giuseppe D. 7 months ago on Google
    Great aesthetic from outside, nice but not impressive from the inside. Great terrace but difficult to go up as the stairs are narrow, don’t go if you are elderly or not in great physical shape. 135 steps in total.

  • 5/5 Lyds s. 7 months ago on Google
    Impressive cathedral inside and out! With a ticket you can also access the rooftop level of the cathedral overlooking the main square as well as allowing you to visit the crypt, treasure room and the museum next door. Definitely worth a visit!

  • 4/5 Dr. Mushfiq (. 7 months ago on Google
    Super hot inside with no ventilation, for me it was boring but its kind of subjective. The view from top not that great wasted my 14 euros :/ Definitely not enough posters or information boards in English, sometimes there are details written in italian but not in English.

  • 5/5 K.S. H. 4 months ago on Google
    It's under major maintenance outside and a small one inside, and you can see the ladder in the photo, but it's one of the main walkable destinations you can visit in Palermo.

  • 5/5 Mel Zhang U. 8 months ago on Google
    We visited during the day and it was very hot and busy. So we decided not to climb the roof. In the evening (10-11pm), we thought of seeing the courtyard and wandled to the church again. To our surprise, the church and roof were open (even google said it is closed)!!! Seeing everything in the night made the visit complete 💕

  • 4/5 Felix 7 months ago on Google
    Pretty expensive visit to the roof for 7 euro, but it's a nice view from up there. Don't be confused by the higher lines. Look further down, and you will find the price for only the roof. It's a rather easy walk with steps, not too many so doable for pretty much everybody.

  • 5/5 Scott C. 8 months ago on Google
    A stunning place to visit..you can enter free of charge , there is a charge to do a tour once inside but only did the main part..was unreal..

  • 4/5 Jamie 9 months ago on Google
    While I don't consider myself religious, I found this cathedral quite striking. Its architectural and historical significance is notable and warrants a visit, regardless of your religious persuasion. The cathedral offers a range of tours, including options to explore the underground crypts, royal tombs, or ascend to the rooftop. The tours can be combined as per your interest, with prices varying accordingly. For instance, visiting the royal tombs costs a mere two euros, whereas a comprehensive tour including the underground, tombs, and roof comes up to twelve euros. One particular highlight was the roof tour, priced at seven euros. This option includes a look at the royal tombs as well, as they're situated en route to the rooftop. The rooftop offers one of the finest views of Palermo, making it an ideal spot for photo ops on a clear day. The authorities manage the number of visitors on the roof at any given time, maintaining a serene atmosphere. You can choose to spend anywhere from a brief visit of ten minutes to a leisurely hour exploring the premises. For the devout, there's the option of participating in a service. Regardless of the duration of your visit, this cathedral is certainly among the must-visit sites in Palermo.

  • 5/5 Peter L. 9 months ago on Google
    Incredible combination of historical influence is evident in the exterior of the cathedral. Roman, Norman, Arab, etc. The inside is simpler but beautiful. The tombs of the kings in imperial porphyry can be seen inside for an additional fee

  • 5/5 Kevin van C. 8 months ago on Google
    Very nice cathedral with lots of things to see. I recommend just getting a ticket for everything. The roof part is a bit confusing cause you can get higher up but it might be closed off, just ask the people around for information.

  • 4/5 AC 10 months ago on Google
    Really worth visiting even if just a walkabout from outside to admire the architecture. Stunning piece of work

  • 5/5 meimei0701 1 year ago on Google
    My first thought when see the catheral is „soo huge“. I was there during Easter. Amazing. Highly recommend the full ticket with roof, treasury, museum, tomb. 15€ and worth it.

  • 5/5 Alec A. 9 months ago on Google
    Very nice piece of architecture outside, more simple and recent inside, but definitely worth visited.

  • 5/5 W N. 11 months ago on Google
    Don’t miss the museum next door, I found it more fascinating than the church. The woman demonstrating the restoration of furniture pieces was enthusiastic and well spoken. The apartments are beautiful and the artifacts are truly ancient. Going on the roof is slightly terrifying but not as difficult as other places where I’ve done the same (not as high as other cathedrals) but it’s the same way going down as going up so you have to wait to go back down from the higher roof — maybe avoid if you have a bad fear of heights or tight spaces.

  • 5/5 S O. 1 year ago on Google
    Massive church with an amazing exterior. The inside is very spacious and it features several altars , the major one was empty at the time as no celebrations were on however people were gathering at each side of the church as praying for Easter. Overall feeling is good, spacious, enchanting, amazing entrance.

  • 5/5 Jon C. 1 year ago on Google
    The absolute gem of Palermo. UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Sicily's Arab-Norman architecture. A €15 ticket provides access to all areas including the roof, which involves a 5-7 minute climb in a narrow staircase. Note that access to the roof is at 30 minute intervals and your time on the roof is limited to 20 minutes.

  • 5/5 Nataliia S. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is full of history. For 7 Euros you can buy a tour to the top of the Cathedral from where you can enjoy an astonishing view of Palermo historic center, hills around and the sea. The tour starts every 30 minutes and lasts around 15-20 minutes, but it’s worth it. Note - it’s not a guided tour, just a possibility to go up to the roof. I recommend coming as early as possible so there is no crowd.

  • 5/5 Berk G. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the most impressive structures in Palermo. You should definitely visit it. There are also German and English notes inside the cathedral that inform you about the important points. The admission is free of charge.


Call +39 091 334373 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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