SURROUNDINGS

Villa Catalfamo is 10 min drive from the old centre of Cefalù (only 6 kilometres).
The beautiful medieval town of Cefalù is characterized by its amazing rock and the very important Norman Cathedral erected by the Norman King Roger II in 1131.

The Cathedral was begun in 1131 and it is a very good example of "Sicilian Romanesque". The splendid mosaic of Christ Pantocrator above the altar is often compared with the mosaics of the Palatine Chapel in Palermo and the Cathedral in Monreale.

The cathedral is a synthesis of several cultures. It was built by Norman architects and Arabic craftsmen influenced by Byzantine liturgical prescriptions. The layout has remained substantially intact. The interior is dominated by the solemn rhythm of the colonnade and by the very beautiful mosaic of Christ Pantocrator in the apse.

Cefalù is a picturesque fishing village that enjoys a splendid position between the sea and the rocky promontory.

Cefalu' offers many things such as lovely and characteristic shops where you can find Sicilian products, excellent restaurants that serve fresh fish, traditional Sicilian cuisine and a very good choice of wines.

Very interesting is the Medieval washing place called "lavatoio"
This charming medieval washing place was used by women who wanted to wash their clothes until a few decades ago because of its cool running water.

Next to the Cathedral there is the Mandralisca Museum. Here you can find a very important painting “Portrait of Unknow Man” painted by one of the most famous portrait painters of the European 15th Century Antonello da Messina (1430-1479) Antonello da Messina is in particular recognized for having revolutionized the style in portraits combining great detail, precision, and psychological insight in his works. The painting “Portrait of Unknown Man” shows more than a subjects’ face. It allows greater insight in its personalities in fact the enigmatic smile of the subject has been compared to la Gioconda painting of Leonardo da Vinci.

Nearby Cefalù there is the Madonie National Park with its charming villages and towns, its delightful scenery, its impressive mountains and some wonderful walks.

Cefalù is on the main train line linking Palermo with Messina, and from mid June to mid September is connected with the Aeolian Islands by a daily hydrofoil service.

Cefalù is situated in an ideal position to visit the most beautiful Sicilian places.

Nearby Villa Catalfamo there is a riding-school and at 15 minutes drive there is a beautiful 18 holes golf course.

Nearby the farm it is possible to take windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing courses.
Close by Villa Catalfamo there is also a beauty center and in about 25 kilometres there are the Baths of Termini Imerese for mineral water therapy.

In Cefalù it is also possible to practise other sports such as tennis, fishing, and skin-diver.