Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti
Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti
Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti
4
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This important monument is well-recognized for its Arab architecture, which contains three domes and cubic forms that are representative of an Oriental influence.
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Neighbourhood: Palazzo Reale
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
639 reviews
Excellent
253
Very good
210
Average
88
Poor
52
Terrible
36
Ryszard L
Sydney, Australia328 contributions
May 2019
Situated near the Palazzo dei Normanni, this lovely church is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The buildings date to the 6th century but the most intriguing features belong to the Arab era. Palermo fell to the Moslem armies in 831 AD but they had been raiding the towns and cities of southern Italy since the start of the 9th century. They immediately started setting up an Islamic State and this church is one of the most obvious relics. The frescoes that were damaged by the Moslems who viewed representations of the human figure as idolatry are of particular interest. The church was converted into a mosque, as were all other churches. The Latin Cross design of the original church is still evident. The cloisters are very well preserved but not as beautiful as the cloisters of the Duomo in Amalfi. The gardens around the church are well worth taking time over.
Written 29 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explorer18156
New York, NY1 contribution
This place was nothing what i thought it would be! I am glad i didnt bring my kids because they would of fallen asleep on the spot. The information the tour guides gave us had no interesting facts at all.It was a waste of money and time.
Written 27 February 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave H
Newport, UK305 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
This Arab/Norman work is a great counterpoint to the Baroque churches of Palermo. Modestly decorated it has serene cloisters and a magnificent garden resplendent with palms and a variety of beautiful plants. It is, as mentioned, a real oasis in the thrumming vibrancy that is Palermo. It cost us €6 to enter in June 2013. Not the cheapest in terms of attractions for what you see, however well worth it for the tranquility.
Written 11 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
parlogilese
Winchester10 contributions
San Giovanni is a little oasis in the middle of the mad city, a lovely garden full of palms and pomegranates just metres from the insane Palermo traffic. The building has been renovated but they are now charging €6, which seems a little steep given that there's not really anything to see once you get inside. Like the other Arab-Norman buildings in Palermo, it looks much more impressive from outside. Worth a stop if you want a break from pounding the streets and dodging scooters...
Written 24 September 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark1970Mercer
Belfast, UK12 contributions
Aug 2018
We were there half an hour before the closing time, an Italian friend was with us. The guardian said him we can not enter because the light was not good. I asked to translate again...same response! No way! Incredible!!! The guardian closed the gate and probably he ended 30 minutes before his working day!
I will write an e-mail to Italian Minister and I hope they will fire the guardian!
A negative experience!
I will write an e-mail to Italian Minister and I hope they will fire the guardian!
A negative experience!
Written 5 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefan G
Biel, Switzerland1,126 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
Here's ours: a beautiful quiet garden with the remainders of different architectural styles and the results of an overmotivated restaurator. The new stones do not add to the quality of impression and I wonder why the real surprises underneath are not accessible. IMHO an example of careless renovation where the existent structures would have allowed something much more impressive.
Written 27 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thelastdodo20
London, UK436 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
This is a pleasant little place though only takes a few minutes to see. We stopped by as it is near the Palazzo dei Normanni. There are just some ruins left, in a lovely garden setting. Very pretty, but some more info would have been useful and the 6 euro entrance fee isn't really worth it!
Written 11 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Campbell M
Beverley, UK19 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
A really peaceful and interesting place to visit if you want to see the way that a religious building can evolve between Christianity and Islam.
Worthwhile if only to sit in the garden and relax on a hot day..
Friendly staff will give you some useful information - or they did when we went!
Worthwhile if only to sit in the garden and relax on a hot day..
Friendly staff will give you some useful information - or they did when we went!
Written 7 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrian M
Fingal, Australia28 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
It is actually free to get into this Church. However the two old guys on the door have handwritten a sign saying 6 Euros, and have a packet of tickets to the ruins in Selinunte that they are passing off as official entry tickets to this Church. They will only actually give you the ticket if you actually request it, in order to make those Selinunte tickets last as long as possible so they can pocket the money. The Church itself is not overly inspiring, and upon exiting you will realize that 6 Euros charge is ridiculous, whereas it is free for instance to get into the Palermo Duomo. I do hope these guys get caught out by officials in the end. Don't hand over your money to them. Have a look at the ticket first. It is clearly not for this site.
Written 16 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnnyDirk
Zwalm, Belgium191 contributions
It is not exaggerated to call this an oasis. The little romanesque church, the XIII century cloister and the small garden make you forget that you are in one of the busiest cities of Italy.
Written 11 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Je pense que quand on est d'une telle inculture et superficialité on ne devrait pas être admis à visiter de tels lieux
Written 24 April 2015
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