This scene of Original Sin, that is, Adam and Eve with the snake from the Old Testament, is one of dozens of scenes that cover the walls of the Cathedral at Monreale. The Byzantine-style mosaic designs tell Biblical stories without words; however with incredible majesty–using glass, semiprecious stones, and hundreds of gold leaf tiles. Such display would most certainly have put anyone who entered the church who had lived before modern radio, films, television, and video games in awe. Built by the Norman King William II (“The Good”) in the late 12th century, the UNESCO site of the Cathedral of Monreale should not be missed if visiting Palermo.
