Cefalù

The Sicilian city of Cefalù is located on the northern coast of island and is one of the major tourist attractions in the region. The city was founded prior to the 396 BC Carthaginian expedition and is of Greek origin. Throughout the history of Cefalù, the city has been under control of the Byzantine Empire as well as the Normans.

One of the most noteable points of interest in Cefalù is the Cathedral which began construction in 1131 and features Norman architecture but the two matching towers were damaged at one point and had been rebuilt around 1400 as well as the interior restoration in 1559.

Some other points of interest in Cefalù would be the Santa Maria dell’Odigitria which was built in the 16th century, the Santa Oliva which was built in 1787, the San Sebastiano which was built around 1523, the Sant’Andrea, the San Leonardo which was built sometime around 1151, the Immacolatella that was built in 1661, the Oratory of the Santissimo Sacramento which was built in 1688, the Chapel of San Biagio, the Santo Stefano which is also known as the Church of Purgatory, the Santissima Trinità, the Santissima Annunziata which was built around 1511 and the Monastery of St. Catherine.

There are also many palaces and fortresses in Cefalù which include the Seminary and the Bishop’s Palace, the Palazzo Atenasio Martino from the 15th century, the Palazzo Maria which was built in the 13th century, the Palazzo Piraino which came around in the 16th century, the Osterio Magno which was a mansion built by Roger II as well as the Ancient Roman baths.