If Cefalù in one day shows its most obvious beauty, Cefalù in 2 days begins to reveal some of its charm.
However, to discover the true soul of this ancient place, its most beautiful views, and the artistic and natural treasures it preserves, you should take advantage of the itinerary Cefalù in 3 days and remain here to experience the typical quiet of the Sicilian seaside village and discover its equally fascinating surroundings.
Cathedral
It is commonly called Duomo, but it is exactly a Cathedral Basilica dedicated to the Transfiguration, founded in 1131 by the Norman King Ruggero II.
It is famous for its towers that give to the building a truly majestic character, against the backdrop of the Fortress.
But especially for its Byzantine mosaics on the inside.
Among them, in the centre stands the mosaic of Christ Pantocrator.
Must see: the Cloister, which is the oldest in Sicily, with its double columns with twin capitals.
Since 2015 it is UNESCO Heritage Site “Arab-Norman Palermo and the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale". Open every day from 8AM to 12.45 PM and from 15.30PM to 5:45 PM (on weekends until 7:30PM)
Mandralisca Museum
It is in a palace that belonged to the patron and intellectual Enrico Pirajno of Mandralisca and treasures notable collections.
For example, the archaeological one, with the famous Crater of the tuna seller, dated back to the 4th century BC, or the numismatic collection and malacological one, which is one of the richest in Europe.
The library is very rich and the pinacotheca excellent: here the place of honour belongs to the famous "Portrait of an unknown" by Antonello da Messina, the most famous and enigmatic smile in the world after that of the Mona Lisa. Open every day from 9AM to 7PM -in August from 09AM to 11PM
Roman road
On Corso Ruggero, for example, there is interesting archaeological evidence: the Roman Road.
It is a 6-meter-long stretch of pavement of the Hellenistic-Roman city (1st century B.C.) Can be visited on request or when the municipal architectural complex Corte delle Stelle, in which it is located, is open.
This complex is classified as one of the most representative buildings of the 20th Century.
Theatre "Salvatore CICERO"
Named after the musician Salvatore Cicero, born in Cefalù. It is a small jewel of Italian theatrical architecture, built in 1818 and decorated in the early Art Nouveau-style by the local artist Rosario Spagnolo.
It was the cinematographic set of "Cinema Paradiso" (directed by Giuseppe Tornatore in 1988). Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9AM to 2PM and from 3PM to 8PM (currently under renovation)
Medieval washhouse
It is a charming structure of probable Arab-Norman origin, renovated in the 16th Century. It has 22 cast iron mouths (some lion-shaped) from which the icy waters of the small Cefalino river flow, flowing between the limestone stones “a lumachella”.
The waters are pure because of karst origin.
Or, as legend has it, because they sprang from the tears of a desperate nymph after killing her beloved because he was guilty of betrayal. Open every day from 8AM to midnight.
View of the sea from Piazza Marina, Porta Pescara, Piazza Marina, and the old pier
The tour to discover the seaside of Cefalù starts from a symbolic place: Porta Pescara, the only survivor of the four gates from medieval times, characterized by a majestic Gothic arch..
From here an esplanade on the sea extends, with a long pier from which the city beach can be observed, starting from the historic centre with the fishermen's houses and pointed arches used as shelter for boats.
This area was the set of the film "Cinema Paradiso" directed by Giuseppe Tornatore (1988).
Capo Marchiafava Bastion and Digital Museum
A mighty 17th century defensive stronghold, from which a breathtaking view can be enjoyed. Today houses a digital museum: the augmented reality system allows an immersive experience among the monumental assets of the UNESCO site “Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale". Open every day from 11:30AM to 4PM and from 6PM to midnight
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