Church of St. Mary of the Admiral

The Church della Martorana, in Palermo

The Church della Martorana, or Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, is one of the most beautiful Arab-Norman jewels of Palermo, famous for its Byzantine mosaics. The Palermo audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this twelfth-century sanctuary, masterpiece listed as world heritage.

The Byzantine jewel of the admiral

The Church della Martorana, also named Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, the Church of Saint Mary of the Admiral, is one of the most beautiful jewels of Palermo. Built in the twelfth century by George of Antioch, admiral of the Norman king Roger II, it was conceived according to the model of the Byzantine churches of the Orient, at the time when Norman Sicily radiated by its extraordinary mixing of the Greek, Arab and Latin cultures. The church keeps an exceptional ensemble of Byzantine mosaics of the twelfth century, among the oldest and most beautiful of the West: on a sparkling gold background, they represent Christ, the Virgin, the saints and the angels, as well as famous scenes, including the coronation of king Roger II by Christ. Over the centuries, the building was enlarged and adorned with baroque additions, creating a striking contrast between the Byzantine gold and the later decor. Still in activity, the church today belongs to the community of Greek-Byzantine rite of Palermo. Listed as UNESCO world heritage, it is a summit of Arab-Norman art. A Byzantine sanctuary and an Arab-Norman masterpiece, the Church della Martorana is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the Arab-Norman jewel built in the twelfth century by George of Antioch, admiral of Roger II, according to the Byzantine model, which keeps an exceptional ensemble of Byzantine mosaics on a gold background representing Christ, the Virgin and the coronation of Roger II, enriched with baroque additions, still in activity for the Greek-Byzantine rite and listed by UNESCO. The Church della Martorana is an Arab-Norman masterpiece of Palermo. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Church della Martorana lies on the Piazza Bellini, in the heart of Palermo, near the Quattro Canti, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; the access follows its own hours and prices, which vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is the Church della Martorana of Palermo famous?

For its Byzantine mosaics of the twelfth century, among the oldest and most beautiful of the West, that represent on a gold background Christ, the Virgin and the coronation of Roger II; built by George of Antioch, admiral of Roger II, according to the Byzantine model, it is an Arab-Norman masterpiece listed by UNESCO, still in activity for the Greek-Byzantine rite.

Where is the Church della Martorana in Palermo?

On the Piazza Bellini, in the heart of Palermo, near the Quattro Canti, in Italy.