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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti

Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti

Via dei Benedettini - 20 - 90134 Palermo, Italy

RELIGIONS Catholic

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELIGIOUS SITE

DESCRIPTION
The church of S. Giovanni degli Eremiti was built at the behest of Roger II between 1132 and 1148 on more ancient pre-existences of different ages. Over the centuries this place has always maintained a religious destination: indeed, during the Muslim rule of the island, there stood an Arab mosque, built on the remains of a Benedictine monastery. The buildings of the Norman period (church and monastery), were built according to typically Islamic architectural models, as architects and workers were of Muslim origin. The church of S. Giovanni degli Eremiti, which has undergone various changes and transformations over the centuries, presents a simple parallelepiped-shaped structure. The interior, with a simple geometric shape, is bare, very severe and unadorned by any decoration. The complex of S. Giovanni degli Eremiti is part of the nine monuments included in the Arab-Norman Palermo route that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site
HISTORICAL RELEVANCE
From a historical point of view, the building is an example of the Muslim architectural tradition in the Norman period. According to a tradition supported by archaeological evidence, the primitive building dates back to the 6th century. A.D., and represented the first settlement of the Benedictine monks in Sicily.
INTER-RELIGIOUS RELEVANCE
The current building, despite its typically Arab architectural shape, has always been destined to Catholic worship. The site, however, certainly hosted, before the Norman reconquest, a mosque, which in turn had taken the place of a previous place of Christian worship.
RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE
The presence of the Benedictine monks in the monastery "Sancti Ermiti" (hence the current name of the church) has had a decisive influence in the early Middle Ages, not only on the religious level, but also on the cultural one.
HOW TO USE WITH THE STUDENTS
- Organize a direct visit to the site
- Conduct a research activity on the origins of the Benedictine Order
- Deepen the study of Arab-Norman culture
REFERENCE TO THE GUIDELINE

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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.