Nested in the Norman palace in Palermo there’s a chapel decorated with mosaic of unparalleled elegance. But wait, there’s more, much more.
This small 32-meter-long church built in 1132, combines harmoniously a variety of styles: the Norman architecture and door decor, the Arabic arches and ceiling designs and script adorning the roof, the Byzantine dome and mosaics. Just as an example, clusters of four eight-pointed stars, typical for Muslim design, are arranged on the ceiling so as to form a Christian cross.
This place is very dear to me, not only because my parents matrimony was celebrated there (not to mention their 25th, and 50th anniversaries,) but also professionally, because many, too many years ago, gave me the opportunity to create my first iPhone app with 360 videos and an interactive virtual visit.
Above all, the Palatine Chapel is one of the monuments in the entire world most indicative of the magic that happens when cultures put aside their differences and start to create instead of destroy.