Cathedral Facade Cefalu Sicily 2

Cathedral-building back in the ‘olden days’ was not simply a matter of religious fervor. In the case of the Cathedral in Cefalu Sicily, one of... more

by Joan Carroll

Title

Cathedral Facade Cefalu Sicily 2

Artist

Joan Carroll

Medium

Photograph - Photography And Digital Art

Description

Cathedral-building back in the ‘olden days’ was not simply a matter of religious fervor. In the case of the Cathedral in Cefalu Sicily, one of the purposes of its construction was to demonstrate the power of the Normans in Sicily and to defend the town in case of an invasion. (The other reason was to fulfill the vow made by the King of Sicily if he were saved from a storm.) This is why the building has a military appearance and is located in a place where it very visible in the town and from far out to sea. Even to the inhabitants of the town, the location of the cathedral atop the hill and even atop the long courtyard leading up to the portals must have been an imposing presence. Even today it looks a bit fearsome! The fortress-like appearance of the façade was the result of the Norman and Islamic architectural influence of the eleventh to the thirteenth century. The Normans incorporated Islamic and Byzantine traditions to create a unique style known as Norman-Arab architecture. The façade is characterized by two large Norman towers with mullioned windows, each surmounted by a small spire added in the 15th century. Each spire is different. The 15th-century portico has three arches, the two outer being pointed. Under the portico is the Porta Regum (Kings' Door), with a finely decorated marble portal. The square in front of the cathedral and the stairway were built over the old cemetery and local lore says it was created with earth brought from Jerusalem. The cathedral is one of nine structures included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale.

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FEATURED PHOTO, UNESCO World Heritage Sites group, 10/13/22

FEATURED PHOTO, Just Perfect group, 9/28/22

FEATURED PHOTO, Churches and Cemeteries group, 9/5/22

FEATURED PHOTO, The Top 50 Features group, 9/3/22

FEATURED PHOTO, The Road To Self Promotion group, 9/3/22

FEATURED PHOTO, Fine Art Exploration Photography group, 9/3/22

FEATURED PHOTO, Fine Art America Professionals group, 9/3/22

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September 2nd, 2022