Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio

            The Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, also known as La Martorana, is one of Palermo’s most iconic churches, renowned for its dazzling Byzantine mosaics and its fusion of Arab-Norman and Baroque architecture.
Founded in 1143 by George of Antioch, admiral to King Roger II of Sicily, the church was originally built as a private chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It stands on Piazza Bellini, next to the Chiesa di San Cataldo and across from Santa Caterina, forming a triad of sacred architecture that reflects Palermo’s multicultural legacy.
️ Architectural Highlights
- Arab-Norman Core: The original sanctuary features a square plan with a central dome supported by four pointed arches—hallmarks of Arab-Norman design.
- Baroque Additions: In the late 17th century, the church was expanded with three naves, a richly decorated presbytery, and a new entrance beneath the bell tower, which had been elevated in the 14th century.
- Bell Tower: Reminiscent of Norman military architecture, the tower adds vertical drama and served as the main entrance after Baroque renovations.
🎨 Artistic Treasures
- Byzantine Mosaics: Among the finest in Sicily, these 12th-century works include:
- Christ Pantocrator in the dome
- George of Antioch at the feet of the Virgin, a rare donor portrait
- Scenes of Annunciation, Nativity, and Presentation in the Temple
- Baroque Frescoes: Painted by Olivio Sozzi and Guglielmo Borremans in the 18th century, these adorn the choir and sub-choir.
- Altarpiece: A lapis lazuli tabernacle and the Ascension by Vincenzo da Pavia (1533), echoing Raphael’s style.
 Cultural and Liturgical Role
- The church is part of the Italo-Albanian Catholic Church, under the Eparchy of Piana degli Albanesi. It follows the Byzantine Rite, with liturgies in Koine Greek and Albanian, preserving Eastern Christian traditions within the Catholic fold.
   

Taken in: Italy / Sicily / Palermo (show map)

Taken on: September 27, 2025

Tags:

Palermo

landscape format

Italy

NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S

Nikon Z6iii

Europe

Nikon Z6_3

European Union

Chritianity

Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio

place of worship

church

Roman Catholic

religion

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Sets appears in: • Italy - Sicily - Palermo Churches

Groups appears in: • Byzantine Architecture [only before 1453 please]

Camera: Nikon Z6_3, f/5.6, 1/125 sec, 56mm, ISO 18000 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Nikon Z6_3
Lens:	NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S
Aperture:	f/5.6
Exposure Time:	0.008 sec (1/125)
Focal Length:	56mm
ISO:	18000
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	No Flash
Exposure Program:	Manual
Exposure Mode:	Manual
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Gain Control:	High gain up
Sharpness:	Hard
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 14.5.1 (Windows)
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