Church of San Cataldo

The Church of San Cataldo, in Palermo

The Church of San Cataldo is one of the symbols of Palermo, recognisable by its three red Arab-Norman domes. The Palermo audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this twelfth-century sanctuary with a sober architecture, jewel listed as world heritage.

The three red Arab-Norman domes

Here is the Church of San Cataldo, one of the symbols of Palermo. Built in the twelfth century by Maio of Bari, grand admiral of the Norman king William I of Sicily, it was given in 1182 to the Benedictine monks. It is immediately recognisable by its three red hemispherical domes that crown its roof, direct heritage of Islamic architecture, and that make of it one of the most emblematic images of the town. The building, of cubic and massive form, with the appearance of a small fortress, illustrates marvellously the Arab-Norman style born from the meeting of the cultures in the Sicily of the twelfth century, mixing the Arab, Byzantine and Norman influences. Contrary to its neighbour the Martorana, richly decorated with mosaics, the interior of San Cataldo has remained deliberately sober and bare: its stone walls, its arches and its fine mosaic floor create an atmosphere of bareness conducive to contemplation. Listed as UNESCO world heritage under the title of the Arab-Norman art of Palermo, it is a precious witness of this unique era. An Arab-Norman sanctuary and a symbol of the town, the Church of San Cataldo is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, one of the symbols of Palermo, built in the twelfth century by Maio of Bari, admiral of William I, recognisable by its three red hemispherical domes inherited from Islamic architecture, with a cubic form of a small fortress, illustrating the Arab-Norman style; its deliberately sober and bare interior, with stone walls and a fine mosaic floor, is listed by UNESCO. The Church of San Cataldo is an Arab-Norman symbol of Palermo. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Church of San Cataldo lies on the Piazza Bellini, in the heart of Palermo, near the Quattro Canti and the Martorana, reachable on foot. The visit follows its own hours and prices, which vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the character of the place.

Why is the Church of San Cataldo recognisable in Palermo?

By its three red hemispherical domes that crown its roof, direct heritage of Islamic architecture; built in the twelfth century by Maio of Bari, admiral of William I, with a cubic form of a small fortress, it illustrates the Arab-Norman style, and its interior has remained deliberately sober and bare; it is listed by UNESCO.

Where is the Church of San Cataldo in Palermo?

On the Piazza Bellini, in the heart of Palermo, in Italy.