santa maria dell'ammiraglio (la martorana)

Try to go first thing in the morning watch the light hit the mosaics, and sit quietly and wonder at the beauty of the 12th century craftsmen.

in the heart of the shopping area, the church's byzantine mosaics are worth a stop. most noteworthy are those of george of antioch and roger II receiving the crown.

In this little church, it preserves the Norman-Arab Byzantine mosaic work as well as the Sicilian Baroque art. Don't walk pass it.

There are many free churches in Palermo that are great. This is probably the best one you can pay for, and it's still just 2 euro (way better than St. Cataldo beside it, which I do not recommend). It showcases a combination of many different styles of architecture.

I really enjoyed seeing the gorgeous mosaics in this church. They were stunning. Too bad some of them were torn down and replaced with a painted ceiling that are not at all as nice as the mosaics.

The belltower of this church is beautiful and classic arab-norman architecture. The interior contains mosaics which are ancient. Unfortunately, during the Baroque period a nun tore down most of the ancient mosaics and redesigned the cathedral in Baroque style. Sometimes Baroque works, sometimes it doesn't. It doesn't work too well here. But the two styles side by side are interesting and several of the mosaics alone are worth the few Euro admission. So catch this one if you can.

The church was built in 1143 but enlarger later. It has amazing frescoes and mosaics dating to the 12th century. Located at Piazza Bellini near the intersection of Via Roma and Via Vittorio Emanuele.

This wonderful La Martorana has a rich legacy of numerous styles down the centuries, as apparent from Arabic script on one of the columns. The mosaics are phenomenal, the work of Byzantine craftsmen. The nave dome is filled with the universal image of Christ Pantocrator. The floor is attractive with numerous patterns including geometrical. Some of the walls contain holy paintings from the early era, reflected in their style.

Palermo has many lovely churches. Some in are the sumptuous Byzantine style, which is well known for its golden mosiacs with its spare and unworldly religious figures. Some are in the over-the-top Baroque style. This lovely church combines the best of both types into one. If you are interested in both eras in art and only have enough time for one church, this is your stop.As a side note, the bookseller at the base of the stairs is the nicest guy!

another tribute to God by the normans, this little jewel in the heart of palermo surpasses the great cathedrals of monreale and cefalù.

Unbelievably beautiful little church in the centre of the old city. The mosaques in the Martorana are something to behold, the detail is exquisite and the frescoes in the more recent addition are as good as you will see. It will cost you 3 euro to enter both the chapels on the site and if you wanted to choose between the two, for me it's the Martorana church 2 euros.

Small but beautiful church with intricate design work covering every wall and the ceilings. Nicely preserved, easy to view and the admission cost isn't unreasonable. A nice stop to visit along with the other churches on the same piazza.

The inside of this church is utterly amazing with the mosaic work. There is very delicate mosaic work that depicts folded/draped fabric that is truly a sight to behold. An example can be seen in one of the photos I have attached, what appears to be a drape of some sort behind the statue is actually ceramic mosaic work! And, the gold inlay work is also incredible. We had already seen many churches but this one really stands out. It is also much less crowded and so peaceful. I am so glad that our private guide from Tradizione, Vincenzo, made this a stop on our tour.

Interesting church with beautiful mosaics. Deceiving from the outside. Worth a visit. Smaller than most and very intimate.

La Mortorana is a small church but well worth a visit for the mosaics, just sit in the pews and soak in the feeling of this friendly peaceful place