Duomo

Description:

• Founded in the 12th century, the cathedral of Agrigento has faced rough times. There are still remnants from the early Norman days, particularly the windows, but most of the church was reconstructed in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was vastly restored in the 17th century, and later rejuvenated from the effects of a landslide in 1966. The bell tower, or campanile, is graced with a series of Catalán Gothic single lancet windows. The tower is from 1470, but because it was never completed, it gives the cathedral a strange, disturbing look, as if it were the victim of a windstorm. The beautiful interior rests under an impressive wooden ceiling, the tie beams adorned with scenes from the lives of various saints. This work was carried out in the 16th century. The Duomo itself is dedicated to a Norman, San Gerlando, the town's first archbishop. His tomb is set in the right wing of the transept. Guides are fond of positioning you under the apse, where you can clearly hear even the whispers of people at the other end of the nave 80m (262 ft.) away. Standing in odd contrast to the rather somber chapels is the choir, a baroque romp of angelic angels and golden garlands.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010