Explore an adorable seaside fishing village on Sicily’s northern coast.
Italy has a ton of little adorable towns and, well, Cefalù is one of them. It was a quick morning visit, on the off season. It was basically a wander, but of course, that’s what I do best.
The adorable town of Cefalù. To the right of the church is a big giant flat-topped mesa, which they call “the Rock.”
Cefalù can be found on the northern coast of Sicily, an easy train ride from the bigger city of Palermo. It’s another one of those cities with a ridiculously long history starting back before the 4th century BCE by the Ancient Greeks and it’s been inhabited ever since. I didn’t see that ancient side. Although, I did see the town’s Norman side. Like the rest of Sicily, the Normans conquered the island from the Arabs and left their mark and here they left a cathedral.
The Norman Cathedral of Cefalù. Forever in the shade in the morning due to the Rock.
The very fortress like cathedral was started in 1131, by Roger II of Sicily, but not finished until 1267. The giant towers are original but the portico in front wasn’t added until the 15th century. It was most likely planned to cover the entire church in mosaics like in Monreale, however, that never happened.
Closer view of the front.
Only the apse above the altar is covered in mosaic. The other decorations were added much later.
They had this on display in the church. Very pretty. Not sure where it would have been. Floor probably.
Interesting baptismal font. Terrifying actually.
The mosaics aren’t missing. They were just never done. It’s interesting to see a church similar to Monreale without the mosaics.
Close up!
Now for some exploration of the town of Cefalù.
I just found the windows very interesting on this building.
The main shopping street.
You can kind of see the Rock peeking out above those buildings.
Fancy bank entrance and the Rock.
A very weird church facade. Look at the little bell on the roof.
I love the ivy shaded sitting area of this cafe. Great use of space on this weird corner.
The Rock looming over town.
Osterio Magno, 13th-14th century.
Part of the Osterio Magno around the corner. I love the black stone stripes.
Another old building, the Osterio Piccolo. I love the reuse of this building.
A little parish church, San Stefano.
A Cefalù street.
A little seaside church.
Coastal views.
Along the coast in the previous picture there is a pathway kind of hidden down there in the jagged rocks.
It leads you to the harbor and there you can finally see the Rock.
Such an amazing town. I wish I had more time to explore.
I also love this tree.
Cefalù, Sicily, is a fantastic place to go for a day trip from Palermo. Trains are very frequent. After a couple of days of Palermo, you will need a bit of a Cefalù break. Trust me.
Check out my next update where I visit the ruins of Selinunte!
Or
Check out more of the fantastic country that is Italy!
