La Martorana, Palermo

La Martorana, Palermo

Founded in 1143, this church boasts exquisite mosaics blending Byzantine, Norman, and Arab styles, showcasing Sicily's rich artistic heritage.
La Martorana, or Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, was founded in 1143 and remains one of Palermo’s most rewarding churches. Its mosaics, among the oldest and finest in Italy, draw together Byzantine, Norman and Arab influences with remarkable assurance. Later Baroque additions altered parts of the building, yet the medieval fabric still defines the experience. The church offers a particularly clear impression of Sicily’s layered artistic culture.