Chiostro di Monreale - Montreale, Italy
N 38° 04.905 E 013° 17.503
33S E 350178 N 4216263
Next door to the Duomo of Monreale is an entrance to the cloisters (chiostro) of the Benedictine monastery, dating to the end of the twelfth century.
Waymark Code: WMVF35
Location: Sicilia, Italy
Date Posted: 04/10/2017
Views: 3
The large quadrangle is lined with more than 200 twin columns, many of them fancily ornamented with mosaic or sculpture, and a covered arcade of Arabic arches. The capitals of the columns are finely carved with sculptures, some inspired by the Bible but frequently enigmatic. To the visitor walking around the cloister the sculptures are like brief mysterious glimpses into the medieval mind: there is a person riding a camel; several scenes of fighting; men with big dogs; acrobats; strange beasts.
Except for some foundations and external walls, the cloister court proper is the only part of the monastery standing today.
Perhaps the crowning glory of the cloister is the Arab fountain in the southwest corner. The fountain is almost a mini-cloister within the cloister, surrounded by its own four-sided colonnade. Longstanding tradition says that William, who had a small palace next to the cathedral, often washed his face in this fountain.
Full name of the abbey/monastery/convent: Chiostro di Monreale
Address:
Piazza Guglielmo II, 1
Monreale, Italy
Religious affiliation: Benedictine
Date founded/constructed: 1200
Status of Use: Inactive or vacant
Web Site: Not listed
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