The vast cloister, one of the finest examples of architecture inspired by Muslim art, is surrounded by a series of ogival arcades resting on beautiful gemstone columns, many of which feature polychrome mosaic incrustations of oriental inspiration. The columns marking each corner and those marking the corner of the square cloister which encloses a fountain (south-west corner) are an exception to this, since they display figures of animals and men sculpted in a luxuriant plant interlacing. The real gems, however, are the Romanesque capitals, of incredible variety and freedom of execution. The subjects are inspired by both medieval iconography and classical art. Without any precise sequence, which demonstrates a more decorative intent, episodes from the Gospel are placed next to episodes from the Old Testament, or next to symbolic or simply decorative images, though always characterised by particular originality. Even classical subjects take on an unusual appearance here, such as the acanthus leaves of the Corinthian capital, which are enriched with an unexpected movement, as if moved by the wind. They are joined by many other themes, such as birds reaching out to peck at the tadpoles of the capital, telamons that seem to hold the weight of the arch, cherubs feeding animals, oriental characters with turbans, and snakes. The donation capital, in which William II offers the church to the Virgin Mary, is particularly interesting, and the very similar south side can be seen from there. A capital depicting a man killing a bull, a symbolic image alluding to the Eastern cult of Mithra, and one depicting an acrobat, are also of special interest. Its position, upright with legs bent and all the weight on the two arms (so the head remains in the middle), immediately recalls the figure of the Trinacria, the symbol of Sicily. A beautiful fountain in the south-west corner of the smaller cloister consists of a circular basin, in the centre of which stands a column with sculpted goats. The corner, with its elegance and refinement, evokes Moorish splendour.
Source: Press Office
PRICES
- Full price only Cloister of Santa Maria Nuova €6.00
- Reduced price only Cloister of Santa Maria Nuova €3.00
- Free of charge only Cloister of Santa Maria Nuova according to entrance rules
- Full price Monument Complex Monreale €13.00
- Reduced price Monument Complex Monreale for 18-25 years old €9.00
- Reduced price Monument Complex Monreale for under 18s €6.00
- Full price Cathedral and Cloister (only for groups or individuals accompanied by tour guides) €10.00
- Surcharge for ongoing exhibitions €2.00
