San Cataldo, Palermo

San Cataldo is a church of the Sicilian city of Palermo, on the central Piazza Bellini. It is a notable example of Norman architecture. The church is annexed to that of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio.

History and overview

Founded around 1160 by admiral Majone di Bari, in the 18th century the church was used as a post office. In the 19th century it was restored and brought back to a form more similar to the original Mediaeval edifice.

It has a rectangular plan with blind archs, partially occupied by windows. The ceiling has three characteristics red, bulge domes ("cubole") and Arab-style merlons.

The interior has a nave with two aisles. The naked walls are faced by "spolia" columns with Byzantine style arcades. The pavement is the original one and has a splendid mosaic decoration. Also original is the main altar.

External links

*it icon [http://www.palermoweb.com/cittadelsole/monumenti/chiesa_san_cataldo.htm Description page in Italian]