Monreale, 2011

The most impressive sight in Palermo is a few miles, and a long bus ride, out of town, the church and abbey cloister of Monreale, created by Roger II in the 12th century. It is Norman in architecture but the interior is the largest and most extravagant (and intact) set of mosaics we have seen. Nothing remaining from the Byzantine world compares, at least in scope and size. The church--which is cathedral-sized--is poorly lit, so the pix do little justice to the mosaics. Most of them are 40-50-60 feet up in the air, on the walls, and are more than life-sized. But they are a delight. Gold and gold-leaf are everywhere.

I was so impressed with the interior, I forgot

to do any decent shots of the exterior; here

are the towers at the bow of the church

And the old bronze west door

Interior

Closer-up; Jesus H. Christ, Pantocrator

Ditto

The major scenes depict episodes, stories

from the Old Testament, life of Jesus, and

lives of saints, in three ever-higher bands all

around the the building; here's Jesus (halo)

healing the leopards (spots)

And dropsy

And the money-changers



Crucifiction of St. Peter

To be continued. I know, I know, I am going to burn in hell,

forever and ever. Amen.