Visit these churches and see the powerful icon “Christ the Pantocrator”

Public Domain

V. M. Traverso - published on 10/07/20

Cefalu Cathedral, Sicily, Italy

Much like Monreale Cathedral, Cefalu Cathedral is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architecture and the treasure trove of Byzantine art it hosts. This mosaic represents Christ Pantocrator, a typical Byzantine icon showing Christ holding the scriptures in his left hand and giving his blessing with his right hand, forming the letters “XC,” a reference to the first and last letter of the word “Χριστός” (Christos in ancient Greek). Completed in the 10th century, it is considered one of the finest examples of Byzantine art in Italy due to the interplay of color, from the intense gold background to the luminous blue of Christ’s clothing.

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Art Jesus Christ

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