On my recent trip to Sicily, we visited the 12th Century Norman cathedral at Monreale. The interior is breathtaking, containing the most stunning mosaics depicting the history of the world according to the bible. Everywhere, gold (this cathedral was certainly intended to convey to visitors the wealth and power of its creators). I found it difficult to do justice to it in my photographs during the short time we had.
However, I was most struck by the cloisters, in particular the chiostrino, the small cloister at one corner.
The columns here are crowned by intricately carved capitals, and richly adorned with differently patterned mosaics – just stunning. The cloister garden is most peaceful, a real haven from the bustle of the town outside. I just wish we had had more time to properly take in the diversity of all the carvings and decorations here. I feel a return visit is necessary….
Monreale, small cloister
Intricate is the subject of the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge – see here for more.
A real beauty this Cathedral Sue – well chosen intricate aspect ! Must have been a super trip you had with the places you’ve visited . My memories of this place are a little hazy .. I reeled a bit as I discovered my purse had been stolen from my back pack whilst travelling up there on a local bus
But that aside all that gold … yes ..wow 🙂
I had a most interesting trip, pretty full-on for me…still recovering! But well worth it!
and gorgeous architecture!!
Great, isn’t it!
Beautiful architecture. You picked a perfect angle – lovely shapes, lines, textures, and colors punctuating it all
Thanks,, Phil…the whole cloister was marvellous, but this little corner really ‘spoke’ to me 🙂
It’s a show-off for sure.
😀
Oh, my goodness, how wonderful! Hope you managed to have a lovely relaxing time away in Sicily. Missed your posts and glad to see you back.
I had a most interesting time, thanks….but relaxing it was not! It has taken me over a week to start to feel I am recuperating. The price of holidays these days, but it’s a price I am prepared to pay….. I now want to return to Sicily! 😀
I know what you mean, I do so much more on a holiday that I really need another one to recover! Though that would hardly help…
Well, we’re two of a kind there!
Looks gorgeous – I understand you had things to do and want to return!
Well, it was a pretty fast-paced trip for me….so there are places I would love to see again at a more leisurely pace!
It’s getting more and more important to slow down to really be able to enjoy things – my opinion too.
Well, it certainly is for me with MS! In the past I would dash around, but I can’t even do most people’s normal now! Takes a bit of adjusting
It surely must. I guess you have to rest a great deal. Find a pace that works for you.
Oh, I do normally, but tricky on an organised trip! I’m putting a bit of thought into how I can travel in future….possibly even shorter trips. We shall see! And it’s fine if I go alone or with friends, but that’s not always possible.
Lovely decoration on the columns.Vibrant colours, and interesting designs.
Nice sharp photo too Sue!
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks, Pete – it is an amazing place…. And are my photos not usually sharp? 😉
As with all photography Sue, some stand out above others. This one has a discernible degree of sharpness that I especially admired…:)
Hey ho, and when you think it’s a much reduced file size for the blog that has to be good!
What a beautiful place to be cloistered in! I love the designs on the columns
It was just beautiful, Gretchen!
Beautiful angle you used to show us such wonderful texture in this old place. I love the arches and the tops of the columns.
Thanks, Angeline! It was the most unusual cloister I have ever visited
I wish I’d gone to Monreale and I would love to go back to Sicily, the only thing I didn’t like was the driving!
I would love to return and see a few places at a more leisurely pace – I was on a tour, so no driving but not enough time to stand and stare!
Sue I find it hard to imagine the hours, days, well let’s be honest, years it would take to create such a beautiful building. I love the perspective you have chosen which captures so much in a single image.
Thanks, Sue – I wanted to capture the intricacy and diversity within this small space, glad you think it has worked!
It’s gorgeous. I want to go there (it’s been in my longer term plans for some time) Where did you stay (what town). How much of the island did you visit? What month was that? Sorry if I asked to much.
Wow, Paula, the Spanish Inquisition!! Hehe… I went on a week long tour, staying first in Catania and visiting Syracuse and Ragusa, then off to Agrigento and Selinunte, stayed that night in Marsala. Then off to Palermo and Monreale (where this cloister was). Next day a visit to a Roman Villa, and final stay at Taormina…. Pretty full on. I now want to return and see a few places at my own pace!
😀 I am sorry, but I am really interested in that (all) part(s) of Italy. I can see that you covered it all. Did you … ? well, I will stop myself….:D
Well, I love Italy too! In a week, we saw a lot, but too quickly! It was just over a week ago, BTW. Hove you been to any of Southern Italy? It put me in mind of Basilicata….
I did not go that far, the furthest south was Amalfi for me.
D’you know, I still haven’t been to the Costa Amalfitana!
You’ll get there 🙂
Oh, I’m sure I will!
There’s something about cloisters… and these are exceptional. Sicily! dream on, Jo 😦
I love cloisters…. As for Sicily, could you not go one day? Just for a short visit?
It’s a definite maybe, Sue 🙂 🙂
Well, for your sake I hope you do it!
A return visit is necessary for everywhere I think. That’s why I feel so lucky to have return visits to Warsaw built in. I remember an afternoon in Pella in Jordan absolutely soaking up the day and the place with that very strong feeling of “never again.” I look forward to your return to the chiostrino.
Many thanks for your thoughts, and I certainly hope to return to Monreale!