Itinerary B
Palermo
sight

[5] A burst of colours and gold: the mosaics

The craftsmen, probably from Byzantium, created a domus, in which the shining gold of the tiles becomes an allegory of the glorious reign of Roger. The representations, in an immobile and unnatural style, narrate timeless scenes from the Old and New Testaments in a burst of gold and bright colours. The King of Kings, Christ, the centrepiece of the entire mosaic cycle, can be admired several times: blessing and within a tone in the dome; stern and half-length in the central apse; in majesty between Saints Peter and Paul in the part above the royal throne and in the space in front of the apsidiole dedicated to Saint Paul. Even the Norman sovereigns could admire and enjoy the splendour of the mosaic cycle from the royal throne, aimed at glorifying Christ and the King.