Visit the Cathedral of Palermo: tickets, prices, times

Are you planning a stay in the Sicilian capital? So don't miss visiting the Cathedral of Palermo, one of the most beautiful buildings in the city!

Visiting Palermo is a full experience, which you must live once in your life at all costs. You will fall under the charm of its unique atmosphere, its culture and its inhabitants (and its gastronomy too!). Rich in a complex history, she has seen many civilizations, which have influenced, each in their own way, every corner of this city. Starting with its monuments and architectures.

Palermo Cathedral is a perfect example of this mix of cultures. This Romanesque church with strong Arab influence is located in Monte di Pietà, in the old town of Palermo. It’s an immanquable city!

Would you like to visit the Cathedral of Palermo? Tips, rates, schedules... Here is everything you need to know to visit the Cathedral of Palermo.

History of the Palermo Cathedral

In the 12th century, the Norman archbishop of Palermo, Gautier Ophamil, decided to build the cathedral of Palermo. He chose to erect the building on the site of an ancient Byzantine basilica, later transformed into a mosque in the 9th century by the Saracens.

The towers that frame the facade of the building as well as the Catalan Gothic porch, will see the day in the 14th and 15th century, while the dome of the nave, of baroque style, will only appear in the 18th century.

It was in this church that the first king of Sicily, Roger II, was crowned at Christmas 1130, but also buried. The cathedral also contains the tombs of Emperor Frederick II of the Holy Empire and his wife Constance of Aragon, but also of Saint Rosalie de Palermo, the patron saint of the city.

Our tips to visit the Palermo Cathedral

Here are some small tips to follow, once you have your ticket to Palermo Cathedral.

The best time to visit the Cathedral of Palermo

Like most cultural activities in general, if you want to visit the Cathedral of Palermo, the ideal to avoid the world is to make the visit Weekly and early morning .

The duration of a visit

We recommend that you plan at least 1h to visit the Cathedral of Palermo. Each person will advance at his or her pace and spend more or less time in a room. Take the time to contemplate the splendor and grandeur of this building and the treasures it contains.

The rules to be followed

Palermo Cathedral is a religious building. A discreet behaviour is to be adopted in the building’s enclosure and rules of well-working are to be followed:

• Porter des Appropriate clothing ;
• Don't enter in spaces for prayer and meditation;
• Observe silence and speaking with low voice ;
• Do not move chairs and benches;
• Photos are allowed, but avoid take pictures of memories with people or groups who pose, or selfies;
• Don't eat inside.

What do you see during your visit to Palermo Cathedral?

The interior of the cathedral, for tourist visits, is structured in two areas: the free entrance area and the monumental area.

The free entrance area

The first is the free entrance area. It is the heart of the basilica that welcomes the faithful to collect, or during religious celebrations.

In this area you can observe:

• The portico with arcades Gothic-catalan style, made by Domenico and Antonello Gagini;
• The mosaic of the 13th century representing the Virgin who overcomes the porch;
• The main nave and the two side naves;
• The choirGothic-Calan style, dating from the 15th century;
• The sculpture of the Virgin to the Childdating from the 15th century;
• The altar in solid silver.

The monumental area

The second is called "Memorial Zone". By surveying this area, you can observe the royal tombs, the treasure, the crypt, the underground rooms, and access the roof.

Royal tombs

It is in these small chapels that the bodies of ancient monarchs City. Among them were Emperor Frederick II, his father Henri VI, his mother Costanza D’Altavilla, his grandfather Ruggero II and his wife Costanza D’Aragona.

The crypt

This magnificent vaulted room is supported by impressive granite columns. It is in this room that the tombs of archbishops de Palermo, including the architect of the place, Gualtiero Offamilio.

The treasure

Your ticket to Palermo Cathedral will also allow you to admire its treasure. It is composed of clothing and liturgical objects and one collection of royal jewelry among which, the golden diadem of Constance of Aragon.

The roof

A tip, if you will visit the Cathedral of Palermo, don't miss the amazing view from the roof of the building. Certainly one of the most beautiful views of the entire city of Palermo.

How much does a ticket cost to Palermo Cathedral?

On the free entrance area, you can access it free .

Post for the whole monumental area (including treasure, crypt area, royal tombs, roofs):

• Full rate: 10€ ;
• Child rate from 11 to 17 years old: 5€ ;
• Package for persons over 65 years of age: 9€.

Post for the monumental area without access to the roofs:

• Full rate: 6€ ;
• Child rate from 6 to 10 years: 0.5€ ;
• For those aged 11-17: 2.5€ ;
• Rates over 65 years old: 5€.

Billet for Royal Graves:

• Full rate: 1.5€ ;
• Child rate from 11 to 17 years old: 1€.

Billet for treasure, crypt and underground rooms:

Full rate: 5€ .

Roof bill:

• Full rate: 5€ ;
• Child rate from 11 to 17 years old: 3€ ;
• Package for persons over 65 years of age: 4€.

How to book an online ticket for the Cathedral of Palermo?

It is now possible to book your ticket online. For this, go directly to the official cathedral site .

You can also choose to go through one specialized reservation platform in tours and activities. This solution can allow you to benefit from a cut-file, a guide, or to combine several visits.

Are there guided tours of the Palermo Cathedral?

The cathedral does not offer to date a guided tour of its places. Some specialized and/or local operators propose private guides , to accompany you during your getaway in Palermo.

Are there visits combined with other monuments of Palermo?

You will find some combined tickets with the Cathedral of Palermo and other Palermo sites, with some tourist operators. For example, some guided tours of the city include a ticket to the Palermo Cathedral.

Opening hours

Cathedral entrance hours:

• Monday to Saturday: from 07:00 to 19:00;
• Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Entrance hours of the monumental area:

• Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 14:00 – last entry at 1:30;
• Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – last entry 12:30.

How to get to Palermo Cathedral?

To reach the Cathedral of Palermo, direction the following address: Via Vittorio Emanuele, 90040 Palermo PA, Italy .

• On foot: Head to the Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Once reached, you have the Porta Nuova behind you. Go past the Bonanno villa full of large palm trees, to the place where the cathedral stands proudly;
• By metro: the stop Palazzo Reale-Orleans deposit you in front of the Palace of the Normans, located near the cathedral;
• By bus: many bus lines stop near the cathedral, like the lines 104 and 105, or 309, 339 and 389.

Where to park near the Palermo Cathedral?

If you come to visit the Cathedral of Palermo, know that it is located in the limited traffic area of the city. ♪ parking is therefore rare see non-existent at the edge of the building.

Where to stay near the Palermo Cathedral?

The Cathedral of Palermo is located in the district of Old town . You will find small ones hotels at affordable prices (between 50 and 100€ at night). But also Airbnb accommodation, ideal for living as a local. Do not hesitate to consult our article « Airbnb Palermo: the best Airbnb rentals in Palermo » to help you make your choice.

It is in this lively neighborhood that most of the main monuments of the city are grouped together. It is therefore the ideal neighbourhood where to stay, especially if you love animation and authenticity.

You now know how to visit the Palermo Cathedral. Enjoy your stay in Sicily!