The Church of St Vitus has very ancient origins, its fortress-like structure is typical of the style of the Norman period. The original core of the neighbourhood developed around the building dedicated to the young Christian martyr. The small church, the oldest in the city, coeval with the cathedral, some claim a few years older, underwent various transformations during the past centuries. In 1729 due to earthquake damage it was consolidated, later the interior was renovated and decorated in neoclassical style. It was later enlarged, even demolishing the old walls that enclosed the space above, where the clergy would walk for their customary meditations in the summertime. Today, part of that ancient clearing, in front of the main door of the church, survives. The poet Antonio Veneziano and the painter Pietro Novelli were buried in the church. Their graves were lost in later renovations, and two recent gravestones recall their original burial. Inside, there was also a gilded wooden triptych from 1459 depicting the Madonna with St. Castrense and St. Vitus on either side, which is currently kept in the Regional Gallery of Sicily in Palazzo Abatellis.
The church is located in the district of San Vito, the oldest settlement in Monreale dating back to the same years or a few decades after the construction of the abbey complex.
Credits: Arch. Paola La Scala
