Cefalù Cathedral
The Cathedral of Cefalù (Italian: Duomo di Cefalù) is a Roman Catholic basilica in Cefalù, Sicily. It is one of nine structures included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale.
| Cathedral-Basilica of Cefalù Duomo di Cefalù | |
|---|---|
The façade of the cathedral | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church |
| Province | Diocese of Cefalù |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Cathedral |
| Year consecrated | 1267 |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Cefalù, Italy |
| Geographic coordinates | 38°02′23″N 14°01′26″E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Church |
| Style | Norman-Arab-Byzantine |
| Groundbreaking | 1131 |
| Completed | 1240 |
UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| 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 was erected between 1131 and 1240 in the Norman architectural style, the island of Sicily having been conquered by the Normans in 1091. According to tradition, the building was erected after a vow made to the Holy Saviour by the King of Sicily, Roger II, after he escaped from a storm to land on the city's beach. The building has a fortress-like character and, seen from a distance, it dominates the skyline of the surrounding medieval town. It made a powerful statement of the Norman presence.