The Palermo Cathedral is a giant complex in the centre of the city which presents a number of different architectural styles. From Franco Norman, to Byzantine, as well as Baroque and Neoclassical, and even some elements of Moorish architecture. The Cathedral has evolved along with the city, and its final restoration, dates back to the 18th century. Within the Cathedral as an architectural complex, it is characterized by the presence of different styles, due to a long history of additions, alterations and restorations, the last of which occurred in the 18th century. Within the Cathedral is the silver guilt altar dedicated to Santa Rosalia, the noble Norman young woman who became the Patron Saint of the City, and supposedly saved Palermo from the outbreak of plague in 1624. The saint is celebrated twice in the year, on the 14th July within Palermo and later on the 4th September when the devotees embark on a pilgrimage to Mount Pellegrino.
