Sicily: Cefalù Cathedral

Built by the Normans, Cefalù Cathedral helps a little to explain the different influences in Sicily. See, the Normans conquered Sicily in 1091 though before that both the Byzantine and Arab Empires had occupied the island, as well as the Vandals and Ostrogoths. (Not to mention the Ancient Romans and other early tribes.)

Sicily became part of Italy in 1861 - in between this they subordinated to the Crown of Spain and the Holy Roman Empire - but since 1946 Sicily has been an autonomous region in the Italian Republic.

     

A lot of cultures have influenced the island of Sicily, so it's unsurprising that there's a mixture of styles around the island. This Norman Cathedral dominates the town of Cefalù, and it's worth popping in. Same rules apply here like at St Peter's: Cover your shoulders and knees, but they do have shawls you can borrow if you're not suitably attired.