A unique multi-sensory experience.
An exhibition space of approximately 1,500 square meters that narrates the rich and complex history of Monreale and its founder, William II. Composed of an intricate system of galleries and halls, it offers privileged viewpoints overlooking extraordinary landscapes and architectural scenes.
The first thematic area unfolds along the Central Gallery and addresses the theme of the Monreale Cathedral and its mosaic decorations. The second area, located in the gallery facing the Cloister of the Benedictine Abbey, is dedicated to Norman-era architecture and cultural syncretism. Finally, the third thematic area, situated in the gallery overlooking the large courtyard of the monastic complex, explores—through a rapid succession—the themes of the Diocese, the Kingdom, and Royalty.
The two leaves of the 'bronze doors' represent their symbolic presence in the Cathedral as the 'Gate of Paradise,' and the vertical beam of light that activates upon crossing the threshold conveys the concept of the Axis Mundi, of which man, according to Benedictine theological thought, may for an instant become an integral part.
