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 lacking in decoration, and geometric shapes such as circles and the hemispherical domes add height to the simple rectangular church.

Cloisters

Adjoining the church are the cloisters with twin-pillared ogival arcades. Only partially preserved, these cloisters surrounded by lush grass have a most distinctive atmosphere about them. The courtyard contains the remains of an Arab well.