La Martorana
La Martorana features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Palermo. Give it roughly ~30 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Palermo Palermo guide
About La Martorana
A stunning 12th-century Norman church with original Byzantine gold mosaics, built on the minaret foundations of a converted mosque, featuring the oldest portrait of a Norman king.
Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, universally known as La Martorana, is one of the most beautiful small churches in Sicily and a key monument of the Arab-Norman civilisation that flourished in 12th-century Palermo. It was founded in 1143 by George of Antioch, the Admiral of the Fleet of King Roger II, hence its official name, Church of the Admiral. George was a Christian of Greek origin who had served the Fatimid Caliphate before entering Norman service, and his church reflects this multicultural identity completely. The building was constructed on the remains of an Arab mosque, and the original Norman church still retains its campanile built on the foundations of the mosque's minaret. The interior is covered in original 12th-century Byzantine gold mosaics, among them the famous mosaic showing Roger II being crowned directly by Christ, the oldest surviving portrait of a Norman king, and a deliberate statement of divine right.
Did you know? The bell tower of La Martorana is built on the foundations of a former mosque minaret, the Islamic base, complete with pointed arches and geometric ornament, is still visible.
How long is a visit to La Martorana?
Set aside roughly ~30 min for La Martorana. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is La Martorana worth your time?
La Martorana is among the 22 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Palermo, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Palermo
Hear the story of La Martorana
Preview the Palermo tour free in the Gingerguide app.