Visit Monreale: full guide

Does Sicily attract you? Don't miss visiting the village of Monreale, a jewel located just a few kilometers from Palermo.

Visiting Monreale is almost discovering a suburb of Sicilian capital. Indeed, located only 7 kilometers away, Monreale is literally stuck in Palermo. However, it does not prevent him from having his own identity.

In 2015, Unesco recognized the artistic and architectural interest of the city. From the influence of many peoples, Monreale is shaped through ages and banners, with the most beautiful appearances over time. Today, this results in a fantastic mix of styles.

Through this article, discover the city and its assets, places to eat and those to sleep. Sicily is a breathtaking land and visiting Monreale is one of the must-sees of the destination.

What to do and what to see in Monreale?

Monreale

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Nuova

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Nuova is the building to visit Monreale. It is the emblem of the city, like the Eiffel Tower Parisian. A true architectural masterpiece, it fascinates by its unmatched prestance.

Built in about ten years from 1174, it has undergone various changes, renovations and extensions over the years. Widely influenced by the many cultures that have trampled the city’s soil, it is now artistically heteroclite, which magnifies it even more.

Recognized by Unesco as one of the important medieval religious buildings, it is also one of the largest. Indeed, it is now spreading on nearly 6,000 square meters! We talk about it, it is incredible and its visit is one of the must-sees of the corner, or even Sicily!

The city centre and narrow streets

To visit Monreale, you should expect to take your eyes full. The city is built a little in height, allowing it to offer a spectacular view of the Conca d’Oro , an immense plain currently invaded by the dwellings, formerly fertile fruit plantation.

But also and above all, by visiting the city, you will discover the charm of its narrow streets, from the balconies to the Italian blossoming to the old shops, to the troquets from which the inhabitants resonate. Get really close to the center and the main streets (Via Venero, among others), lose yourself, and let yourself be charmed.

Attention: If you are travelling in Monreale by car, watch the unique ways, many and sometimes puzzles!

The Belvedere

If the city center allows, in places, to observe the Conca d’Oro, wait to see what the Belvedere reserves you. This former seminar is now completely accessible to the public and offers a panoramic view of the entire Palermo plain, its reliefs and its thousands of colors. A point of view not to be missed from Monreale.

La Piazza Vittorio Emanuele

This square, which bears the same name as a famous square Rome , is the one that borders the famous cathedral of Monreale but also the Hotel de Ville. Very humble, this place still remains a place to see in the city. There is a small garden, and in its center the Fontaine au Triton, in white marble.

The caves of Monreale

Not far from the cathedral, on the edges of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, you could quite, if you wish, visit Monreale from its natural caves. Watercourses circulate there, and they become even more fascinating as we realize that we are under the city.

Gruppo Speleologico di Palermo (Speleological section of the Italian Alpine Club) is not necessarily open to the public, but sometimes you can find out where the caves are. Attention, you must know your Italian notions!

Surroundings

Palermo

You can't visit Monreale without spending at least one day on Palermo. The two cities are too close to visit only one. Palermo is the capital of Sicily, telling you that it is a dynamic city.

Animated by its inhabitants and its long history, Palermo today shines a thousand colors of its various occupations over the past centuries. Sometimes Norman, sometimes Byzantine, she even went under French occupation. This is then seen at the turn of alleys and squares, implemented by buildings more beautiful than others.

Palermo is also the city where one of the most amazing attractions is: Capuchins catacombs ! Like those you can visit to Vienna , these catacombs offer a sensitive show, which is not intended for all. They are famous for the burial of Rosalia Lombardo, a surprisingly well preserved girl who, according to rumours, opens and closes her little eyes...

But Palermo is also the street-food Sicilian , colorful markets, Teatro Massimo (bâtisse welcoming up to 1,600 people!)... Consider seriously stopping there and you'll kiss a nice part of Sicily.

Mondello

If your schedule allows you, don't miss Mondello, this idyllic resort, northwest of Monreale. Sable end and turquoise waters await you, for a getaway on the outskirts of Palermo and Monreale.

Very well served, the seaside resort of Mondello will delight you in view of the many small restaurants, trendy cafes and bars but also and especially for its paradise beach. Mondello also has a very lively nightlife, like the tropezian evenings where the jet-set loves to admire.

Capo Gallo Nature Reserve

Slightly north of Mondello and its seaside resort is the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve, created in 2001. A true concentrate of nature, a paradise for hikers and strollers, it covers nearly 600 hectares and includes a large maritime part. There is also a beach, only accessible by boat, which offers a natural parenthesis.

The heights of the reserve are a place of urbex (urban exploration) given the presence of dwelling buildings not completed on the land side. For history, it was lots that were sold to Sicilian mafia in the late 1970s. Finally stopped by the authorities, the construction sites were intended to be demolished but nothing was done.

Today, many artists have adapted the places and have made these abandoned buildings an open-air street art museum, the Pizzo Stella Art Village, to be discovered without moderation.

Where to eat in Monreale?

Monreale's catering places are mainly in the city centre. And it’s normal, it’s life’s most active. You will then find many restaurants and snacks in Sicilian, which offer almost all a kitchen in Southern Italy.

The dishes are generous, gourmet and draw their power in the continuous sun of the Mediterranean weather. Restaurant and wine bar & beer The Bar is highly recommended by its customers, which promote the quality of drinks and dishes served on site. Very discreet, this little alley restaurant surprises for its map and its very friendly setting.

Then, notice to meat lovers who will feast to Bricco E Bacco , a restaurant steakhouse Sicilian flavours. As for seafood and fish lovers, they will find their happiness at Cambria Restaurant , which serves fresh and seasonal products.

In any case, since visiting Monreale also goes through the discovery of its flavors, you will always find a place to enjoy Italian pizza, or a real traditional tomato and mozzarella entrance. If Italy is a tasted country, Sicily is delicious too! So don't deprive yourself. In addition, some guided tours offer you to practice Sicilian cuisine yourself, learn!

How do I get to Monreale?

First of all, it is possible for you to go to Monreale by car . Indeed, let us not forget that Sicily and the continent are very close and a bridge has been erected between Villa San Giovanni and Messina to connect the two lands.

However, you will have to cross the whole of Italy, which is not a thin case. But as part of a great Italian road trip, why not offer you a Sicilian session?

From Palermo

Visiting Monreale from Palermo is very simple, given the immediate proximity of the two cities. Indeed, for reminder, Monreale is only 7 kilometres Palermo. The connections between them are therefore frequent and varied: taxis, bus... bike or even on foot, for the most sporting of you. Indeed, walking between Palermo and Monreale will take you less than two hours. It is, on the other hand, to appreciate the march.

Taxis can take you to Monreale, at least one 15 euros for 10 minutes. As for bus , this is line 389P which will lead you from the center of Palermo to Monreale, in about 30 minutes (including stops).

Also, do not omerate the Seaway Maybe an alternative. That said, there is no France-Palerme liaison . Indeed, direct links to Palermo depart from the mainland (Naples, Civitavecchia), Sardinia (Cagliari) or Tunisia (Tunis). This can therefore be useful according to your true place of departure. For example, if you fly to Naples from France, you could consider a crossing to Palermo and then visit Monreale.

From Catania

Because Catania is at the other end of Sicily, if we observe from Monreale, the journey times between the two cities are more important. Obviously, the means of transport between the two cities converge first in Palermo. It will then be up to you to borrow the means of transport of your choice to get to Monreale.

Going to Monreale from Catania involves several choices: car (2h30 road), the train (4h) or for (3h45). Undeniably, the car remains the more comfortable choice because you can, on the way, stop and enjoy the landscapes or cities you cross.

This said, public transport reduces the costs (gasoline, rentals, etc.) and allow you to enjoy the landscape, without the unexpected stops.

From the budgetary point of view, the car remains the most interesting with tickets between 16€ and 20€ (line carried out by Autolinee), when the train route numbers between 26€ and 40€ (inquire from Trenitalia).

Where to stay in Monreale?

The city of Monreale is large enough to offer you various and varied accommodation offers. There are many tourist hotels, adapted to all budgets. But you can also find cute guest rooms or eternal, and sometimes modern, Airbnb . However, remember that you will be located less than 10 kilometers from Palermo, where the offer extends even more. A search on a Compare hotels you will find the rare pearl to stay in Monreale.

For an authentic experience, some of you may prefer housing at home, to discover Sicilian traditions... And you wouldn’t be wrong! To get closer to it, don’t hesitate to search among the family homes of Monreale, or even Palermo.