hearing
Itinerary A
Palermo

[4] The faithful gather on the floor

On the southern façade of the Cathedral, the faithful gather in front of the entrance to the church, in the large outdoor area.
They gather under the marvellous Catalan Gothic portico, the work of Magister Antonio Gambara, and prepare to attend religious services. People from all walks of life are present, flocking to give thanks and praise to the Assumption of Mary, to whom the Cathedral is dedicated. Before crossing the threshold, they talk to each other while the tolling of the bells announcing the imminent celebration spreads from the bell tower to the floor and all the surrounding streets.