This view is near the altar. Choir area on the right with lots of organ pipes. Looking toward the sanctuary, you can see the amount of decoration. Not just near the altar, but everywhere in the church.

Near this point, I have discovered since leaving the church, is the cloister. Darn...now I gotta return to see that. I have provided a link to show some of the wonderful work there.

Here is a link that might be useful: More on the cloister.

For the fans of doors - this bronze door is not used on a regular basis. I had to shove the camera beyond some iron bars, thus it is not square.

The door has 44 squares, each depicting a Biblical scene. It is signed by Bonannus of Pisa and dated 1186.

Now that I am outside again, I walked around to the rear of the cathedral. I could not get far enough away to get a better shot as there were buildings there.

As I turned to the left (from the previous photo), this is what I saw.

Being the kind of guy I am, I walked down the 'street' the went off the road in the previous photo. I did not have to go far to look down this narrow passageway.

Wow!

As I continued my stroll through town, I came to Via Benedetto d'Aquisto and looked up the hill. I have not been able to determine what this building is. It is only a few blocks away from the Cathedral.

And, looking down the hill. That sign on the left indicates it is a pub.

This area is called the Golden Shell. Agriculture in the area is mostly almonds, olives and oranges.

A combination of newer and older construction in Monreale, Sicily. What a wonderful place to be. As noted previously, I need to return to explore more.

I agree, this is a wonderful place

It would be fun to explore that secret garden. I guess you can't keep a gardener down no matter where he has to garden.