Cefalù Cathedral facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cathedral-Basilica of CefalùDuomo di Cefalù |
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The façade of the cathedral
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church |
| Province | Diocese of Cefalù |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Cathedral |
| Year consecrated | 1267 |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Cefalù, Italy |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Architectural style | Norman-Arab-Byzantine |
| Groundbreaking | 1131 |
| Completed | 1240 |
| Official name: Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale | |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | ii, iv |
| Designated | 2015 (39th session) |
| Reference no. | 1487-008 |
| State Party |  Italy |
| Region | Europe and North America |
The Cathedral of Cefalù (called Duomo di Cefalù in Italian) is a beautiful Roman Catholic church in Cefalù, Sicily, Italy. It is one of nine amazing buildings that are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site is known as Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale.
This grand cathedral was built between 1131 and 1240. It shows off the Norman architecture style, which was popular after the Normans took over Sicily in 1091. Legend says that King Roger II of Sicily promised to build it. He made this promise after surviving a big storm and landing safely on Cefalù's beach. The cathedral looks a bit like a fortress and stands out in the old town. It was a strong symbol of Norman power.
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History of the Cathedral
The area where the cathedral stands has been important for a long time. There was even a Roman road and an old Christian mosaic found here. Building the cathedral started in 1131. The stunning mosaics in the apse began in 1145. King Roger II also had two special stone coffins (sarcophagi) placed there for himself and his wife in the same year.
After 1172, the church faced some tough times. In 1215, Frederick II of Hohenstaufen moved the two royal sarcophagi to the Cathedral of Palermo. But construction soon picked up again. The front of the cathedral was finished in 1240. The church was officially blessed in 1267 by Rodolphe de Chevriêres, a bishop.
Later, in 1472, a portico (a covered walkway) was added. This was built by Ambrogio da Como and stands between the two towers at the front.
What the Cathedral Looks Like
Amazing Architecture
Before you reach the cathedral, there's a large, flat area called a parvis. This was once a cemetery. People believed the earth here came from Jerusalem. They thought it had special powers to quickly preserve bodies.
The front of the cathedral has two huge Norman towers. These towers have windows with stone dividers (mullioned windows). Each tower is topped with a small spire added in the 15th century. The spires are different. One is square with flame-shaped tops, showing the Pope's power. The other is eight-sided with "Ghibelline" tops, showing the king's power.
The 15th-century portico has three arches. The two outer arches are pointed. They are held up by four columns. Under this portico is the Porta Regum, or Kings' Door. It has a beautifully decorated marble entrance.
Inside, the cathedral is shaped like a Latin cross. It has a main area called a nave and two side aisles. These are separated by rows of old columns. There are fourteen columns made of pink granite and two of green stone (cipolin). Their bases and tops (capitals) are from the 2nd century AD. Two big capitals supporting the main arch of the nave were likely made in Sicily around the mid-12th century.
The roof of the nave was made lower than it was originally. The transept (the part that crosses the nave) is taller than the nave and aisles. Some parts of the building have a rounded ceiling (barrel-vaulted). Other parts have an open wooden roof. The area around the altar (presbytery) has a stone ceiling with ribs.
The church is special because it mixes two styles. It has the strong, simple shapes of Romanesque architecture. But it also uses the pointed arch, which is a key feature of Gothic architecture. This mix is also seen in Monreale Cathedral. It was an early example of the Gothic style that would soon become popular in Paris.
The church has three rounded ends called apses. This design is also found at Monreale Cathedral in Sicily. The two smaller side apses have decorative arches and carved stone supports (corbels) on the outside. These corbels show masks, animal heads, and human figures. The corbels on the main apse are newer. The central apse originally had three large round windows. These were later closed to make space for the mosaic.
The Cloister
The cathedral also has a peaceful cloister (a covered walkway around a courtyard). You can enter it from inside the church. The arches of the cloister are pointed and rest on thin, paired columns. The designs on the column tops are Norman and Romanesque. This cloister was a model for other Norman cloisters in Sicily, especially the one at Monreale.
Amazing Artwork
The Presbyterium Mosaic
It was probably planned for the whole church to be covered in mosaics. But only the area around the altar (presbyterium) was finished. Mosaics still cover the apse and about half of the side walls. King Roger II brought skilled mosaic artists from Constantinople. They used their traditional Byzantine art style in this church, which was built in a northern European way.
The most important figure in the mosaics is the bust of Christ Pantokrator. He is shown in the half-dome of the apse with his hand raised in blessing. In his left hand, he holds the Gospel of John. You can read in Greek and Latin: "I am the light of the world, who follows me will not wander in the darkness but will have the light of life" (John, 8:12).
Above Christ, on the apse wall, is the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her hands are raised in prayer. She is flanked by four archangels. Below them, on either side of the central window, are figures of apostles and evangelists. They are placed in a special order that has a religious meaning.
The mosaic art continues into the presbyterium. The side walls show figures of prophets and saints. On the right wall, near the king's throne, are royal figures. On the left side, near the bishop's throne, are figures of priests. Each figure has a name written in Greek or Latin. The ceiling of this area shows four cherubim and four seraphim.
The main figures, Christ Pantokrator and the Virgin Mary, wear blue robes. They shine brightly against a background of gold tiles. This mosaic work is incredibly beautiful. It shows graceful robes and sensitive faces. Many people consider it the finest Byzantine mosaic in Italy.
These Byzantine mosaics were finished before 1170. The lower parts and side walls of the presbyterium were completed much later, in the 17th century. They covered older paintings, but only small traces of those remain today.
Other Artworks
Some original paintings still exist. There's a figure of Urban V from the late 14th century on a column in the left aisle. Also, a "Madonna enthroned" from the 15th century is in the left part of the transept.
The church also has several tombs. These include an old sarcophagus, a medieval one, and the important tomb of Bishop Castelli from the 18th century.
The 12th-century baptismal font is carved from a single stone block. It is decorated with four small carved lions. The church also has a painting of the Madonna from Antonello Gagini's workshop (16th century). There's also a painted wooden cross by Guglielmo da Pesaro (1468). The organ is a large instrument with two keyboards.
The ceiling of the nave has painted decorations. These include busts, fun animals, and other designs. They were probably made by Arabic artists.
Since 1985, an artist from Palermo, Michele Canzoneri, has added 72 modern, abstract, stained-glass windows. These windows show stories from the Old and New Testaments. Their modern style has caused some discussion.
Ancient Mosaic Discovery
During digs in the cathedral area, parts of a colorful mosaic from the 6th century were found. They show a dove drinking, parts of two other birds, two small trees, and a lily-shaped flower. This is all inside a frame with pointed and diamond shapes.
This mosaic likely belonged to an older Byzantine church that was here before. This part of Cefalù was used as a bishop's center until at least the 8th century.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de Cefalú para niños
- Cathedral of Monreale
- Palazzo dei Normanni
- Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale
