The
cloisters were part of William I’s original Benedictine Monastery and
were originally surrounded by a monastic wall. The monks were expelled
by Garibaldi in 1951 and the cloisters are now a tourist attraction.
The cloisters form a quadrangle on the south side of the cathedral and
are lined with over 200 double columns supporting Arabic style arches.
There are alternating plain columns and columns decorated with bands of mosaics.
In the south east corner is a small fountain which served as the Monk’s
lavatorium and is surrounded by carved and mosaic decorate pillars.
The carving depicts scenes from the Bible like this picture of Adam and
Eve trying to hide their nakedness as well as scenes of animals and
plants. like the person picking grapes.
The carved capitals at the top of the columns are all different.
|
