Cefalù

There are two main attractions in the town of Cefalù: the sandy beach and the 12th century Cathedral.
The medieval town is tucked on a small shelf of land under a looming rock formation. It was here that the Norman ruler Roger II built a cathedral that has Sicily’s earliest and best preserved medieval mosaics.
Another treasure of the church is a statue of the Madonna carved by the Renaissance artist Gagini.
In the adjoining 12th century cloister, recently restored, I was captivated by the carved double columns, especially a set with Noah.