February, 24th, 2013

MILANO MODA DONNA | Mosaicouture. DOLCE & GABBANA

The undisputed highlight of Monreale Cathedral is its richly mosaiced interior. Dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, the golden mosaics completely cover the walls of the nave, aisles, transept and apse – amounting to 68,220 square feet in total. Some of the mosaics were created by craftsmen brought from Venice. The eye is drawn immediately to the apse, where a magnificent portrait of Christ P tocra tor, “Ruler of All”, gestures in blessing and gazes serenely off to one side. The Greek inscription reads, “Jesus Christ, the P tocra tor.” Populating the rest of the apse are st anding saints and apostles. Old Testament s tories are depicted in the nave, while scenes from the life of Christ a dorn the aisles and transept. Monreale Cathedral was built from 1174 to 1185. It was commissioned by William II (1154-89), the Norman ruler of Sicily, who wished to demonstrate the magnificence of his king dom and out do the splendid Palatine Chapel built by his gr andfather, Roger II.