 Cefalù,
an enchanting little town on the northern coast of Sicily,
some 70 km from the island capital, Palermo, stretches out 
on a strip of land backed up against the towering mass of
an impressive rock simply called La Rocca. The Roman name
for the town, Cephaloedium, comes from the head-like shape
of this rock which dominates it.
Little is known about the origin of Cefalù. The first
settlement was perhaps on the massive rock where the remains
of a set of
fortified walls, a castle and a megalithic building known
as the “Temple of Diana” are to be found. Ruled
in turn by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans,  
the town is famous for the magnificent Arabo-Norman Cathedral,
built by King Roger II. The apse and the vault of the church
are decorated with some of the finest gilded mosaics in
Sicily, towered over by the splendid gigantic figure of
Christ Pantocrator (the All-mighty), his right hand outstretched
in blessing.
The town, which still today presents a relatively unspoilt
medieval aspect in its streets and courtyards, preserves
some other priceless monuments such as the charming Cloister,
the Museo Mandralisca where the powerful Portrait of an
Unknown Man, a masterpiece of the fifteenth-century Sicilian
master Antonello da Messina is housed; the Osterio Magno
and the medieval wash-house. Just 15 km from Cefalù
is located the Sanctuary of Gibilmanna in a beautiful position
looking out towards the sea. Cefalù is today included
in the list of the most beautiful historic towns and villages
in Italy. Its artistic and natural beauties, its favourable
climate, its excellent cuisine, its rich cultural heritage
and tourist facilities make this attractive seaside town
one of the most renowed tourist centres and premier destination
on the Tyrrenian coast. Thanks to its position, it also
represents the ideal base of departure to explore the extremely
rich cultural heritage of the island of Sicily.
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