Palermo - San Giovanni degli Eremiti

South of the Norman Palace in Palermo is the former monastery of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, an idyllic place in which to relax and meditate for a while. Even before actually entering this quiet place the visitor will find himself drawn to it by the red Moorish domes. In fact an Arabic mosque once stood here, and a hall with five arches to the south of the Christian church still stands.

Previously, from the sixth century onwards, there had been a Benedictine monastery on this spot, and the site was re-consecrated under the Normans. In 1132 Roger II built the square church surmounted by five domes which we see today. It originally served as a mourning chapel for the court dignitaries.

The interior is severe and