4-Hour Tour of the Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral from Palermo
Description
Visit with us one of the most impressive places in the world! At the Capuchin Monastery in Palermo, you can explore the famous Catacombs. Between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, in exchange for rich donations, Sicilian nobles and illustrious figures entrusted the bodies of their deceased to the Friars, who were mummified with natural techniques. In addition to being an impressive place, the Catacombs represent an extraordinary historical testimony of a Palermo full of charm and mystery. The second stop of the tour will take you to Monreale, nestled on the slopes of Monte Caputo. Founded by the Arabs, Monreale is one of the most significant examples of the fusion between Arab and Norman cultures. The famous Duomo, a World Heritage Site, dominates the town with its majesty. You will be fascinated by the refinement of the Byzantine elements and the immensity of Christ Pantocrator, who oversees the entire church.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Once in Piazza dei Cappuccini, you can buy tickets (5€ per person) and start the tour that will lead you through four corridors: that of the Friars, Men, Women and Professors. Each corridor tells stories of devotion and centuries-old traditions. Among all the bodies on display, one in particular catches the eye: that of Rosalia Lombardo. Her mummy, thanks to an incredible preservation process, has remained perfectly intact, so much so that it seems that she can open her eyes at any moment. This extraordinary conservation, which makes it one of the most famous mummies in the world, arouses wonder and admiration. Its history, still shrouded in mystery, has transformed it into a fascinating symbol of Palermo, attracting visitors from every corner of the world.
The Cathedral of Monreale is a masterpiece of Arab-Norman art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located a few kilometers from Palermo. The cathedral is famous for its extraordinary mosaics decorating over 6,000 square meters of surface, representing biblical scenes of extraordinary beauty, including the famous mosaic of Christ Pantocrator in the apse. Entrance to the cathedral costs €4 per person, and inside you can admire the majesty of the architecture, with the carved wooden ceiling and elegant columns. The cloister, attached to the cathedral, is another treasure not to be missed. Composed of 224 columns, each decorated with unique capitals that tell stories of the Old and New Testaments, the cloister is a perfect example of cultural fusion between Christian and Islamic elements. The Cathedral of Monreale is one of the most fascinating artistic and spiritual experiences in Sicily.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We offer pickup from any hotel or address in Palermo. You will have a car with driver just for you. Once your purchase is complete, we will send you complete information.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Note: Our driver is not a specialized guide, he only provides background information about the tour.
Reviews(14)
Don’t do it! I use Viator all the time but this was the biggest rip ever. $415 for nothing but a car service which I could have done for less than $200 for 4 hours.
Dear customer we are sorry that you were not satisfied with our service, but when you book something you have to read what it offers and how much it costs so as not to be disappointed. We have tried to satisfy your every request by taking you to Mondello as well.
Cathedral mosaics are amazing. Catacombs are uniquely interesting. Of significant historical interest.
This tour is a captivating experience for anyone intrigued by history and culture. The journey begins at the Capuchin Monastery in Palermo, where you’ll explore the remarkable Catacombs. These halls are filled with the mummified remains of Sicilian aristocrats from the 17th and 18th centuries, preserved by the Friars through natural techniques. It’s a deeply moving and historically significant site that immerses you in the mysterious allure of Palermo’s past. The second part of the tour takes you to the beautiful city of Monreale, perched on the slopes of Monte Caputo. This city, with its Arab-Norman roots, offers a stunning example of cultural fusion. The highlight is the majestic Duomo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its intricate Byzantine mosaics and the towering Christ Pantocrator. The blend of architectural styles and the sheer scale of the Duomo is breathtaking. Throughout the journey, our driver Marco was fantastic, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride, which made the experience even more enjoyable. If you’re looking to explore the depth and beauty of Sicily’s history, this tour is a must.
This was an overpriced tour. The sites and time were not worthwhile. A group tour would have been better. Save your money; Book something else.
Our driver Massimo was informative and entertaining. He got us there quickly and safely despite heavy rain. He pointed out things to see and visit as we drove to our 2 main destinations. His English was also very good.
We wanted to shorten the visit to the church, so our driver gave us a scenic drive around downtown. Viator is very annoying in how they make you fill out reviews.
Recommended. Prompt and timely pick ups. Very clean transportation. Our driver, Mirko, was excellent and spoke very good English. All places visited were very interesting.
This was a great tour where we not only visited the catacombs but other sites also as we were able to use our time efficiently. The guide also suggested and dropped us at a great restaurant.
The driver was excellent. Very friendly and informative. Would definitely recommend. To anyone going to Palermo
Sal was a wonderful guide-/ his knowledge in beyond compare. He was a pleasure to listen to and he was kind and patient. Our tour group was only four souls. The other couple were also a pleasure to spend our 4 hours with. After the tour the five of us had lunch at a great little family restaurant. Go with Sal and you will have a day to remember.
