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The façade , with a bronze door, is bracketed by two asymmetrical square towers and bears decorative stonework. The porch is an 18th-century addition.

In contrast to the rest of the exterior, which is relatively plain, the triple apse is decorated with intricate stonework that forms interlacing arches of limestone and lava. See it from via del Arcivescovado, a short walk around the back of the building.

The interior is not greatly articulated but works as a support for around 6,500 sq m (70,000 sq ft) of brilliant mosaic. The granite columns bear Roman Corinthian capitals.

The choir ceiling shows traces of Arab influences. The nave ceiling was restored after a fire in 1811.

The enormous image of the Christ Pantocrator embraces his followers with curved arms and outstretched hands.

One of the martyr saints represented is St Thomas àBecket, canonized the year before the church was founded. It is his earliest known portrait.

Above the thrones to either side of the main apse are portraits of William II being crowned by Christ himself, and presenting the cathedral to the Madonna, a scene blessed by the hand of God. The side apses are dedicated to saints Peter and Paul.

The cloister combines Arab-styled arches, intricately carved capitals, and a lovely 12th-century fountain.

These New and Old Testament scenes were educational panels for the illiterate parishioners. They include the Creation, Noah’s Ark and the Sacrifice of Isaac.

The 12th-century Norman castle was once a fortified monastery, but it is now used by the Sicilian Alpine Club. From its hilltop location, the castle commands a view over the valley. It is a pleasant 20-minute walk from town.