Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Duomo di Cefalù

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek, and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - A settlement is known here since Greek times and the Greek historian Diodorus Siculus first mentioned the place under the then-name Cephaloidion in 396 BC. Later Cicero speaks of it as apparently a flourishing town, enjoying full municipal privileges. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. Around 858 the city was conquered by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. Under Roger II of Sicily, the city center was moved it from its almost inaccessible position on top of the Rocca di Cefalù to the foot of the limestone rock and in the 12th century, Cefalù experienced its heyday. Weather change in Cefalù. The Duomo di Cefalù seen from afar. _ I have already uploaded a lot of photos from previous taken in Cefalù. Now I will add only a few. If you want to see more, follow this link: www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333402

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek, and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - A settlement is known here since Greek times and the Greek historian Diodorus Siculus first mentioned the place under the then-name Cephaloidion in 396 BC. Later Cicero speaks of it as apparently a flourishing town, enjoying full municipal privileges. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. Around 858 the city was conquered by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. Under Roger II of Sicily, the city center was moved it from its almost inaccessible position on top of the Rocca di Cefalù to the foot of the limestone rock and in the 12th century, Cefalù experienced its heyday. The layout of the old town was created in the 12th century with the Norman church in the center. The street system was laid out in a grid pattern around it. The majority of the houses in the old town date back to the 16th century. _ The cathedral was planned by Roger II. The cathedral was to become his burial church. Construction began in 1131, but work was subsequently interrupted several times. In 1240 the facade was completed. The projecting part of the facade dates from 1472 and is the work of Ambrogio da Como. Together with the Arab-Norman Palermo and Monreale Cathedral, the church was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2015. Once a Gothic window. _ I have already uploaded a lot of photos from previous taken in Cefalù. Now I will add only a few. If you want to see more, follow this link: www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333402

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek, and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - A settlement is known here since Greek times and the Greek historian Diodorus Siculus first mentioned the place under the then-name Cephaloidion in 396 BC. Later Cicero speaks of it as apparently a flourishing town, enjoying full municipal privileges. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. Around 858 the city was conquered by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. Under Roger II of Sicily, the city center was moved it from its almost inaccessible position on top of the Rocca di Cefalù to the foot of the limestone rock and in the 12th century, Cefalù experienced its heyday. The layout of the old town was created in the 12th century with the Norman church in the center. The street system was laid out in a grid pattern around it. The majority of the houses in the old town date back to the 16th century. _ The cathedral was planned by Roger II. The cathedral was to become his burial church. Construction began in 1131, but work was subsequently interrupted several times. In 1240 the facade was completed. The projecting part of the facade dates from 1472 and is the work of Ambrogio da Como. Together with the Arab-Norman Palermo and Monreale Cathedral, the church was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2015. _ I have already uploaded a lot of photos from previous taken in Cefalù. Now I will add only a few. If you want to see more, follow this link: www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333402

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù in the early morning sun centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. The overwhelming, breathtaking apse mosaic was already completed in 1148. Below the Pantocrator Below the Pantocrator are are Mary flanked by angels and the apostles. Roger II had built this church as his burial ground and even two porphyry sarcophagi were here, but Frederic II moved them to the Palermo cathedral later, where they still are.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù in the early morning sun centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. The overwhelming, breathtaking apse mosaic was already completed in 1148. The Pantocrator in the center of the apse. Roger II had built this church as his burial ground and even two porphyry sarcophagi were here, but Frederic II moved them to the Palermo cathedral later, where they still are.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek, and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù is centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. The overwhelming, breathtaking apse mosaic was already completed in 1148. Below the Pantocrator are are Mary flanked by angels and the apostles. Roger II had built this church as his burial ground and even two porphyry sarcophagi were here, but Frederic II moved them to the Palermo cathedral later, where they still are.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù in the early morning sun centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. The overwhelming, breathtaking apse mosaic was already completed in 1148. Above the Pantocrator are two angels and four six-winged seraphs. Below are Mary flanked by angels and the apostles. Roger II had built this church as his burial ground and even two porphyry sarcophagi were here, but Frederic II moved them to the Palermo cathedral later, where they still are.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù in the early morning sun centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. Facing east - the overwhelming, breathtaking apse mosaic, completed in 1148. As well there are impressing capitals along the aisle. It is a moment to stand and stare. Here are two of the capitals. Roger II had built this church as his burial ground and even two porphyry sarcophagi were here, but Frederic II moved them to the Palermo cathedral later, where they still are.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù in the early morning sun centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. Facing east - the overwhelming, breathtaking apse mosaic, completed in 1148. As well there are impressing capitals along the aisle. It is a moment to stand and stare . . Roger II had built this church as his burial ground and even two porphyry sarcophagi were here, but Frederic II moved them to the Palermo cathedral later, where they still are.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù in the early morning sun centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. The apses are probably the oldest parts of the cathedral. All around here are corbels.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù in the early morning sun centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. The apses are probably the oldest parts of the cathedral. All around here are corbels.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù in the early morning sun centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. The apses are probably the oldest parts of the cathedrals.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù in the early morning sun centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. I have tried to translate this inscription but failed. "IOANNES EP(ISCOP)US CEPH(AL)IS ..... AD 1070", but there was no bishop here in 1070. The bishopric got refounded in 1131 and the first bishop here was Iocelmus. Maybe somebody with more experience here can translate it..

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù in the early morning sun centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. While the façade looks somehow "open" (at least with the later added portico), the outer walls look very fortresslike.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù in the early morning sun centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. In 1472 a portico was added between the two towers of the facade. Here both façades are partly visible. In front is a part of the Gothic portico and behind a part of the façade from 1240, that shows very strong Arabian influences.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Cefalù in the early morning sun centred around the cathedral. A settlement is known here since Greek times and flourished during the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the town was Byzantine, but like the whole island was soon subject to Arab incursions. In 858 it was taken by the Arabs and was part of the Emirate of Sicily for about 200 years. In 1063, the Normans captured it. In 1131, Roger II moved Cefalù to the present location at the foot of the rock. He began the construction of the Byzantine-style cathedral. The façade was completed in 1240 and the Cathedral was consecrated in 1267. In 1472 a portico was added between the two towers of the facade.