Cefalù

Cefalù's famous Norman cathedral was built by Roger II beginning in 1131, intended as a royal mausoleum. The apse mosaic of Christ Pantocrator is one of the finest surviving examples of Norman-Byzantine art.

Why it mattered

• Royal cathedral of Roger II
• Christ Pantocrator mosaic

Architecture and the site

• Norman cathedral (1131+)
• Byzantine-style apse mosaics
• Twin-tower facade

Chronology (selected)

• 1131: Roger II begins cathedral construction

Hub essays

• Region context: hautevilles southern italy and the shared bibliography.
• Castles and fortification: Norman castles — motte to stone.

On the map

Use Open on map to fly to this pin in the Norman expansion era. Layers are teaching overlays — pair them with charters, excavation reports, and the works above.