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Church · Palermo, Sicília
Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio
The Martorana, a church from 1143 with Byzantine gold-background mosaics, including Rogério II crowned by Christ. Beside it, the small San Cataldo, with red domes.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio
The Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, known as Martorana, was founded in 1143 by George of Antioch, admiral of Rogério II. The gold-background mosaics, made by Byzantine artists, cover the dome and the walls of the old section, with Christ Pantocrator at the top and scenes from the life of Mary.
Two panels show the founders: Rogério II receiving the crown directly from Christ, a rare portrait of the king, and the admiral himself at the feet of the Virgin. The name Martorana comes from the nearby convent founded by Eloisa Martorana, whose nuns became famous for marzipan fruits, the frutta martorana, still sold in the city's pastry shops.
The church has a Baroque façade and a Norman bell tower, and follows the Byzantine rite of Sicily's Italo-Albanian community. Beside it is the Chiesa di San Cataldo, from the 12th century, with smooth stone walls and three red domes, a simple interior and original floor. Both are part of the Palermo Arab-Norman site, a UNESCO World Heritage.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes to the Martorana and 15 minutes to San Cataldo.
Best time
In the morning, when light enters through the windows and illuminates the mosaics. Avoid service times, when visits are suspended.
How to get there
It is on Piazza Bellini, a two-minute walk from the Quattro Canti and just behind Piazza Pretoria.
Tip
The two churches have separate tickets and their own opening times: check before you go. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio
Why is the church called Martorana?
Because of the nearby convent founded by Eloisa Martorana, which was joined to the church in the 15th century.
What is frutta martorana?
They are hand-painted marzipan fruits, a tradition of the nuns of the former convent. They appear in pastry shops year-round, especially around All Souls' Day.
Is San Cataldo next to the Martorana?
Yes, on the same terrace of Piazza Bellini. It's easy to recognize by its three red domes.