Santissimo Salvatore della Trasfigurazione (also known as Christ Pantocrator) anchors the apse of the UNESCO recognized cathedral, or duomo, of Cefalù. Boasting a remarkable Byzantine-style mosaic of Christ Pantocrator (pictured), the cathedral was commissioned in 1131 by the visionary Norman King Roger II after his ship found refuge on this spot during a harrowing storm. Historians believe that Greek craftsmen from Constantinople created the mosaics which were completed in 1148. Christ holds a book with the text from John 8:12 stating “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness.”

The artwork, the light, the entire experience of entering the cathedral took my breath away right before I took this photo–and it wasn’t my first time having been there. It’s inspirational every time.