CityBuddy
Palermo Cathedral
Best time to visit
Early morning when the cathedral opens, to avoid crowds and catch soft light on mosaics; late afternoon also works well for warmer terrace views.
Budget tips
Main cathedral entry is usually free; paid ticket, around €5-€9, covers terraces, royal tombs and the diocesan museum, so buy online to skip queues and check the Palermo Card for combined savings.
Recommended for
History buffs, Architecture lovers, Photography enthusiasts, Cultural travelers
Plan your visit
45-75 min
About
Fatti rapidi: Look up and you’ll notice Arab-Norman arches, Byzantine mosaics, Gothic spires and Baroque details layered together above the nave. Inside, a medieval treasury and several royal tombs lend a museum-like hush, while worn marble steps sigh underfoot.
Punti salienti: Climb a narrow stone staircase to the rooftop terraces and you can pace between crenellated battlements, pausing to peer at the 13th-century marble sarcophagus of Emperor Frederick II glinting in the sun. Local guides love to point out a quirky tradition: every July 15th the bells and processions join the feast of Saint Rosalia, a spectacle where incense, drumming and the smell of fried street food fill the air.
Insider tips
- Cover shoulders and knees to enter without needing a wrap, a light scarf is useful in summer heat.
- Buy the combined ticket online to include terraces, royal tombs and the Diocesan museum and skip separate lines.
- Head straight to the rooftop terraces on arrival for unobstructed city and sea views before tour groups arrive.
- Avoid interior guided tours at midday when group visits peak; focus on the apse mosaics and the Norman royal tombs.
Clicca per prenotare un tour a piedi GRATUITO a Sicily, Italy
Il modo migliore per vivere una città con una guida locale.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
Reviews
Reviews (4)
4.3Visited around 1pm with long lines; interior is free but the royal tombs and treasury charge small euro fees. The tombs were the highlight, treasury felt overpriced.
Arrived at 8am, almost no line. Rooftop terrace was worth the small extra fee, crypt was interesting but got crowded by 11am.
Went at opening, small line. Climbing to the roof cost 6 euros and was absolutely worth it for the city views, staff were friendly and helpful.
Late afternoon visit. Exterior photos were great but the paid crypt tour felt rushed and not worth the price, and the nave was crowded.
