Monreale Cathedral:
"The Coronation of William II of Sicily"

"The Coronation of William II of Sicily." This mosaic, located in the transept arch, depicts the coronation of William II in December 1171. The Norman king then governed through a small group of familiares, including Archbishop Walter. Contemporary chroniclers often emphasized William II's beauty, as well as his propriety in carrying out his duties, his respect for the law and the people, his education (he mastered several languages) and his gentle nature. Furthermore, the king managed to establish a period of relative stability and reconciliation in relations between the various factions.