A door opened in heaven. The Cathedral of Monreale
Edited by Mirko Vagnoni, University of Friborg
General coordination of Don Nicola Gaglio, Cathedral of Monreale, Sandro Chierici, Ultreya Milan
Exhibition promoted by Regione Sicilia, Superintendency BB.CC.AA. Palermo, Fabbriceria Duomo Monreale, Art Institute for Monreale Mosaic, Museo Diocesano Monreale, Library of the Municipality of Monreale
The exhibition intends to document the artistic heritage and faith tradition of the Cathedral of Monreale, the majestic cathedral that dominates the gold basin. In addition to the more extensive mosaic cycle of the western Middle Ages, the complex houses a 47-meter-wide cloister, with 228 twin columns surmounted by capitals with narrative and ornamental scenes, and the splendid icon of the Vergine Odigitria, from 1170, which will be exceptionally displayed in exhibition. The decoration of the Monreale complex saw the participation of Greek and Arab masters, as well as Siculians and Italics, in a singular coexistence of artistic languages that bear witness to a particular way of living faith as a personal and community experience within the Church, place of the presence of Christ today.