History and mysteries in Cefalù’s centre

This walk stays in town. No Rocca climb (that is itinerary 2) and no beach (itinerary 3). Covered shoulders in the cathedral. Two hours if you hurry, four if you read labels.

1. 1. The name “Cefalù”
   From Greek Kephaloidion, “head”: La Rocca from the sea looks like a skull. Local story: a severed head. Historians: a rock profile. Start in the cathedral square and look up.
2. 2. Arab-Norman cathedral (UNESCO)
   1131, Roger II. Part of the UNESCO site with Palermo and Monreale. Inside, Christ Pantocrator. Quiet. Half an hour if there is a queue; an hour for the mosaics slowly.
3. 3. Osterio Magno
   Medieval palace on Corso Ruggero. Who built it is still argued. Usually seen from outside: stone, two-light windows, too big for an ordinary house. Groups often skip it.
4. 4. Mandralisca Museum
   Antonello da Messina’s Portrait of a Man (the unknown sailor) is worth the ticket more than a second loop of the church.
5. 5. Medieval wash-houses and old harbour
   Down toward the sea: arches, water, Porta Pescara. Twenty minutes. Then a table from the cards below.

Eat: Cortile Pepe, Locanda del Marinaio, Le Petit Tonneau. All itineraries: Cefalù itineraries.