Sicilian Cathedral’s stunning mosaics regain golden lustre

By Guglielmo Mangiapane

The mosaics of a mediaeval cathedral in Sicily, built by the island’s last Norman king, are set to regain their golden lustre thanks to careful restoration work and new lighting.

The Monreale Cathedral, erected in 1174–89 near Palermo on the orders of King William II, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that combines Western, Islamic and Byzantine styles and is home to one of the world’s largest indoor mosaics.

The church is “unique in the world,”...