Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale

The Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale are a series of nine religious and civic structures located on the northern coast of Sicily dating from the era of the Norman Kingdom of Sicily (1130-1194): two palaces, three churches, a cathedral, and a bridge in Palermo, as well as the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale. They have been designated together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This dedication took place in 2015. The new Norman rulers built various structures in what has become known as the Arab-Norman style. They incorporated the best practices of Arab and Byzantine architecture into their own art. Although a different builder constructed each of the sites, they are linked together because of their shared architecture and time period. On the Friday after these locations gained World Heritage Sites tatus, Italy celebrated with a ceremony. As Palermo Mayor Leoluca Orlando and then Italian president Sergio Mattarella revealed a plaque, various Italian officials and public figures attended at the entrance of the Palazzo dei Normanni which hosts the Sicilian Regional Assembly.