The term mosaic derives from the Greek MusaiKòn and is an ancient decorative technique that involves composing a design or image by juxtaposing small tiles made of stone, marble, or colored glass paste.
In Monreale, mosaic represents one of the highest forms of decorative and expressive art, as evidenced by the most famous and well-known "Duomo," characterized by the splendor and monumentality of its mosaic covering. Built in the 12th century by the will of the Norman King Guglielmo II, the mosaics of the Duomo have undergone numerous conservation and restoration interventions over time, leading to the need to establish a mosaic school. Historical records confirm that in the last decades of the 15th century, mosaic restorations were conducted by the Monrealese mosaicist Mastro Masi Oddo, although historian G. Millunzi hypothesizes that a school of mosaicists existed in Monreale before that. This is also confirmed by the presence of the Fornace Tower inside the Guglielmo II Monumental Complex, where mosaic work took place. The evidence lies in the fact that expertise in restoration, the creation of new mosaics, and the production of enamels (Fornace Tower) were already a established reality in Monreale. To confirm all this, the State Institute of Art of Monreale was established.
The Art Institute of Monreale
In 1955, a mosaic course was established with mosaicist Vincenzo Romano as the teacher, giving impetus to the creation of a municipal mosaic school, later founded by Professor Benedetto Messina in 1959. He gathered young people around him to keep the mosaic tradition alive, initially attending the "Bottega" located inside his home.
In 1961/62, the municipal mosaic school was recognized by the Ministry and elevated to a State Art Institute. In 1964, the school moved to the prestigious premises of the former Benedictine refectory, adjacent to the Duomo, in Piazza Guglielmo II. Since 1974, the Art Institute has been located in Via Biagio Giordano, later named after Captain of the Carabinieri, Mario D'Aleo, a victim of the mafia. Over the years, the Institute has kept the tradition alive, promoting a series of cultural initiatives related to the study of mosaics for restoration purposes and the exploration of new expressive forms, application fields, and destinations. The Art Institute has proven to be the necessary type of school to revive the strong, ancient, and enduring tradition in Monreale. Today, the production of mosaics continues with the work of numerous artisans operating in their workshops located in the historic Via Torres in the Ciambra neighborhood.
MOSAIC SHOPS
La Torre di Cangemi Giosuè
Via Ludovico Torres n°28
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Laboratorio Mosaico e Pittura di La Malfa Domenico
Via Dante n°2
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Mosaico Arte ed Artigianato
Via Arcivescovado n°13
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Laboratorio mosaico Le Absidi
Via Arcivescovado 11 Monreale
