# Monreale

> Italian comune

**Wikidata**: [Q207448](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q207448)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monreale)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/monreale

## Summary
Monreale is an Italian *comune* (municipality) located in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, Sicily. It is renowned for its historic Monreale Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman architecture adorned with stunning 12th-century mosaics, and serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Monreale.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, Sicily, Italy (coordinates: 38.081666666667° N, 13.288888888889° E).
- **Population**: Approximately 39,047 residents (varies slightly by source: 39,187 or 38,698).
- **Historical Significance**: Home to the **Monreale Cathedral** (founded 1172), a UNESCO-recognized site famous for its Byzantine-style mosaics (created c. 1180).
- **Religious Importance**: Seat of the **Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Monreale**, established in 1174.
- **Settlements**: Includes nearby villages such as **San Martino delle Scale** (home to the Abbey of San Martino delle Scale), **Grisì**, **Celsa**, and **Giacalone**.
- **Administrative Context**: Part of the **Metropolitan City of Palermo** (formed in 2015, replacing the former Province of Palermo).
- **Official Website**: [https://www.comune.monreale.pa.it/](https://www.comune.monreale.pa.it/).

## FAQs
**Where is Monreale located?**
Monreale is located in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, on the island of Sicily, Italy. It lies about 5 kilometers southwest of Palermo’s city center.

**What is Monreale Cathedral?**
Monreale Cathedral is a 12th-century Norman church renowned for its extensive Byzantine mosaics, covering over 6,500 square meters. Construction began in 1172 under King William II of Sicily.

**What is the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Monreale?**
Established in 1174, it is a historic ecclesiastical jurisdiction headquartered in Monreale, overseeing local Catholic parishes and religious institutions.

**What are some notable settlements near Monreale?**
Nearby settlements include **San Martino delle Scale** (home to a Benedictine abbey), **Grisì**, **Celsa**, **Giacalone**, and **Pioppo**, among others.

**When was the Metropolitan City of Palermo created?**
It was established on August 4, 2015, replacing the former Province of Palermo as part of Italy’s administrative reform.

## Why It Matters
Monreale holds profound cultural and historical significance as a center of Norman-Byzantine art and architecture in Sicily. Its cathedral, with its unparalleled mosaics, represents a fusion of Western and Eastern Christian traditions, reflecting Sicily’s multicultural heritage. As a religious hub, the Archdiocese of Monreale has shaped regional spirituality for over 800 years. The *comune* also serves as a gateway to Palermo’s metropolitan area, blending urban accessibility with rural Sicilian charm.

## Notable For
- **Monreale Cathedral**: A UNESCO-listed masterpiece of Norman architecture with the largest cycle of Byzantine mosaics in Italy.
- **Archdiocese of Monreale**: One of Sicily’s oldest and most influential Catholic dioceses.
- **San Martino delle Scale Abbey**: A historic Benedictine monastery with ties to medieval Sicilian monasticism.
- **Cultural Heritage**: A living testament to Sicily’s Norman, Arab, and Byzantine past.
- **Proximity to Palermo**: Offers a quieter alternative to Sicily’s capital while maintaining strong historical ties.

## Body

### Geography and Administration
Monreale is a *comune* in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, Sicily, Italy. It is positioned at coordinates 38.0817° N, 13.2889° E, approximately 5 kilometers southwest of Palermo. The municipality encompasses several smaller settlements, including **Grisì**, **San Martino delle Scale**, **Celsa**, **Giacalone**, and **Pioppo**. Administratively, it falls under the Metropolitan City of Palermo, which replaced the Province of Palermo in 2015.

### Historical and Religious Landmarks
The **Monreale Cathedral** (Cattedrale di Monreale), founded in 1172, is the town’s most iconic structure. Commissioned by King William II of Sicily, it features breathtaking Byzantine mosaics (dating to c. 1180) depicting biblical scenes. The cathedral is part of the **Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Monreale**, established in 1174, which remains a key religious institution in Sicily.

Nearby, the **Abbey of San Martino delle Scale** (founded in the 14th century) is another significant religious site, housing a historic church and monastic complex.

### Settlements and Localities
Monreale’s territory includes several smaller villages and hamlets:
- **San Martino delle Scale**: Known for its abbey and scenic hillside location.
- **Grisì**: A rural settlement with traditional Sicilian architecture.
- **Celsa**: A small village within Monreale’s administrative boundaries.
- **Giacalone**: A historic hamlet with ties to local agriculture.
- **Pioppo**, **Cannizzaro-Favara**, **Carrubba-Rincione**, and **Fiumelato**: Additional rural localities.

### Cultural and Touristic Significance
Monreale’s cathedral and mosaics attract scholars, pilgrims, and tourists, offering insights into Sicily’s medieval artistic and religious history. The town’s blend of Norman, Arab, and Byzantine influences makes it a microcosm of Sicily’s layered past. Its proximity to Palermo ensures accessibility while preserving a distinct identity.

### Modern Context
Today, Monreale balances its historical legacy with contemporary life. The **Metropolitan City of Palermo** provides administrative support, while local initiatives promote cultural tourism. The official municipal website ([comune.monreale.pa.it](https://www.comune.monreale.pa.it/)) serves as a resource for residents and visitors.

### Related Entities
- **Metropolitan City of Palermo**: The broader administrative region encompassing Monreale.
- **Province of Palermo**: The former provincial division replaced in 2015.
- **Italy**: The sovereign state to which Monreale belongs, with its rich cultural and political history.

Monreale’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to preserve centuries of history while remaining an integral part of modern Sicily.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. MusicBrainz
6. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html)
7. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2017. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2017/index3.html)
8. [Source](https://demo.istat.it/?l=it)
9. [Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011. Italian National Institute of Statistics](https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/156224)
10. Wiki Loves Monuments Italia
11. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
12. Quora
13. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
14. Seismic classification in Italy
15. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)