What to see in Cefalù

What to see in Cefalù is one of the first questions for all those who come to know this “Pearl of the Mediterranean”, set like a gem in an inlet on the northwest coast of Sicily.

The small and charming medieval village of Cefalù stands at the foot of the Madonie mountains and its incomparable beauty has earned several awards for the quality of tourism.

Cefalù extends for about 65 km² to the east in the Metropolitan area of Palermo and boasts an artistic, cultural and natural heritage of inestimable value. Among churches dating back to the Norman period, cobbled streets teeming with life, golden beaches and colerful houses of fisherman overlooking the sea, is a must-see on any trip in this part of Sicily, able to give unforgettable emotions to its visitors both in the coldest months and during the summer season.

Cefalù in 7 days
Cefalù in 3 days

Cefalù is a place where history, culture and tradition meet and unite in a combination of timeless beauty, forged by the dominations and conquests that have followed over the centuries and of which it proudly preserves the signs.

Founded by greek under the name di Kephaloidion (Κεφαλοίδιον), the features of the dominations by the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs and the Normans are still visible throughout the city and constitute points of interest, as well as unmissable attractions among the things to visit in Cefalù.

From the moment you set foot, this small seaside village will welcome you in all its splendor with a riot of colors and scents salty, where time seems to have stopped between the characteristic golden alleys of limestone, the majestic towers of the Cathedral and the ruins of the fortresses that have made Cefalù enchanting and immortal.

Here, what to see in Cefalù if you choose to spend here a weekend or a few days holiday in Sicily.

Rocca di Cefalù

Almost 270 meters high, the Rocca di Cefalù is an imposing limestone cliff overlooking the city and from which you can admire Cefalù from a breathtaking point of view. Its highest point is reached through a historical-naturalistic path dating back to the Medieval period, along which it is possible to admire ancient ruins, the remains of the Temple of Diana and the Castle dating from the 12th-14th century.

It is from this privileged location that visitors can enjoy one of the most enchanting views ever seen, especially if you reach the top at sunset. In a wide embrace, which extends from Palermo to Capo D’Orlando, the view from the Rocca di Cefalù makes this place an unmissable stop for the most romantic souls, made even more magical by the Greek myth of Daphne linked to its origin.

Discover the Rocca di Cefalù
La Rocca di Cefalù
Tempio di Diana cefalù
Temple of Diana

What to see in Cefalù if you are an archeology lover? The Temple of Diana is a must see for fans, but also one of the oldest architectural works in the city that attracts tourists from all over the world every year.

Dating from the 5th century B.C. it is located in a rather unusual location for a temple. Far from the town, it was probably thought as a sanctuary in which to practice water cults dedicated, as witnessed by the large cistern visible inside.

Located on the path that leads to the top of the Rocca di Cefalù, it is known above all for its strategic and panoramic value.

Discover the Temple of Diana
Cathedral of Cefalù

Among the things to see in Cefalù, you can’t miss a visit to the imposing Norman Cathedral, located in the homonymous square, in the heart of the historic center and at the foot of the Rocca. The Cathedral of Cefalù is a hymn to the beauty that resists time, wars and modernity, as it preserves the traces of the Arab-Norman influence on the island.

Framed by two high towers, the Cathedral was comissioned by the first king of Sicily, king Roger II, and consecrated almost a century and a half later (1267). Over the years it was modified several times and rebuilt following the bombing. Inside, the precious Byzantine mosaics made by the masters of Constantinople in 1145 remain unchanged in all their splendor.

Discover the Cathedral of Cefalù
Basilica-Cattedrale di Cefalù
Il Museo Mandralisca di Cefalù
Mandralisca Museum

The art lovers will not have doubts for what to see in Cefalù: The Mandralisca Museum collects some of the most beautiful treasures of our island, in a collection made up of paintings, works of art, ancient coins, archaeological finds, furniture and books.

The museum was founded by the patron and collector Enrico Piraino, Baron of Mandralisca, in 1809 and is located on the site that was once inhabited by the same Baron. The archaeological section houses mosaics, ceramics, statues and other works of local manufacture, as well as the Art Gallery.

Here is the highlight of the entire collection, the “Portrait of unknown sailor” by the famous Antonello da Messina.

Discover the Mandralisca Museum
Piazza Marina

The point where the historic center of Cefalù ends to give way to the crystal clear waters of the sea is called Piazza Marina, which opens on the view of the Old Pier and overlooks directly on the golden beach.

Piazza Marina is the ideal starting point for a walk in the heart of Cefalù along the ancient city walls, dating back to the 5th century, which have protected the town from invaders, the sea and storms.

Passeggiata sotto le mura
Mura Megalitiche Cefalù
Megalithic Walls

Huge and mighty, the walls of fortification that once surrounded the city of Cefalù are also called megalithic because of their structure. They are formed by stone blocks 3 meters thick, stacked according to the technique of dry masonry, which rise 6-5 meters from the ground.

Until the 16th century, megalithic walls were used to defend the city and protect the inhabitants from the strong winds of east, west and mistral that struck the coasts. Access to the city was guaranteed by four arched portals called “Porta Terra”, “Porta Ossuna”, “Porta Giudecca” and “Porta Pescara or Marina”. The latter, which opens onto the sea, is the only one still standing.

Porta Marina

A real window on the sea, Porta Marina takes its name from the spectacular view directly on the Old Molo, but the real name is Porta Pescara.

This is the only medieval portal still existing of the four that allowed access to the city through the megalithic walls. Its gothic arch, facing west, frames one of the most suggestive views that visitors to Cefalù can admire, offering a glimpse on what was an important point for the life and activity of the Sicilian fishermen.

Porta Pescara Cefalù
Lavatoio Medievale Cefalù
The Ancient Medieval Wash

If there is a place that, more than all the others, smells of tradition and ancient everyday life this is undoubtedly the medieval wash in late Renaissance style. This is the place where the inhabitants of Cefalù gathered to wash their laundry, taking advantage of the underground passage of the river “Cefalino” that flows into the sea.

Although the current structure has undergone changes over time, the signs of life that flowed slowly in this washroom are still visible in the “lumachella” staircase in lava stone polished by water and in the basins where the clothes were washed.

Palazzo Osterio Magno

The Palazzo Osterio Magno is probably one of the buildings that most testifies to the succession of kingdoms and dominations over the centuries. Roger II Domus Regia, was for a long time property of the Ventimiglia family, princes of Castelbuono, then passed into the hands of the Dominican friars and other owners who used the rooms in shops, shops, houses and warehouses.

Like a huge canvas of time passing by, the structure has features dating back to the Norman, Byzantine, Hellenistic and Greek periods.

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Palazzo Osterio Magno Cefalù
Teatro comunale Salvatore Cicero
Theatre Salvatore Cicero

Dedicated to the Cefalù violinist Salvatore Cicero died prematurely, film lovers will remember the Municipal Theatre of Cefalù as set of the 1989 Oscar-winning film “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso” by Tornatore.

Dating back to 1818, the Salvatore Cicero Municipal Theatre is a small gem of a huge artistic and cultural value, whose structure is perfectly preserved despite the changes undergone over the years.

Today it is an important reference point for the inhabitants of Cefalù because it contains two centuries of history, art and culture and represents the symbol of a town that has lent its face to numerous film performances.

Roman Road Corte delle Stelle

Among the archaeological sites to visit in Cefalù, the site of the Roman Road of Hellenistic-Roman times located inside the Corte delle stelle is a must for history lovers.

A six-metre long course of perfectly preserved pavement, which testifies the urban efficiency of yesteryear through a dip in the daily life of the past.

Strada Romana Cefalù