[Palermo, Italy] The stunning divinity of the Palatine Chapel

The highlight of Palermo, Italy, is the Palatine Chapel, where Arab and Norman cultures coexist. The gold is so overwhelming that it's almost dazzling, but strangely, there's no glittering nouveau riche feel to it, and it seems to reign with a divine radiance. The gold leaf mosaic walls depicting Genesis, the life of Christ, and the stories of St. Peter and St. Paul are of course wonderful, but the mosaic decorations covering the entire floor and the Islamic-style ceiling are also impressive. Construction of this chapel began in 1130, the year of the coronation of the first animal-loving King of Sicily, Roger II, and was dedicated in 1143. It was originally built as the king's personal chapel, and its lavish splendor is still astounding even today. #Free hotel stay