La Cataldo, Palermo
La Cataldo, with La Martorana behind. Photo
c4r1n3b.
The contrasting churches of La Martorana (left) and La Cataldo (right). Photo
Cate Fuller.
The austerely beautiful medieval interior. Photo
Erik Ogan.
The three famous red domes from the inside. Photo
Erik Ogan.
the small apse and altar area. Photo
Cate Fuller.
Location map and aerial view of La Cataldo. For a larger interactive view, see our Palermo Map.
Known for its distinctive red domes, the small Chiesa di San Cataldo is a 12th-century Norman church standing next door to La Martorana in Palermo, Sicily.
History
The church of San Cataldo was founded by Maio of Bari, chancellor to William I, during the Norman occupation in 1154. After Maio died in 1160, the interior was never completed.
The church has belonged to the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre since 1937.
What to See
The exterior of this small church looks like a squat stone box with small arched openings. It is topped by its most striking feature: a row of three Saracen-style, bulbous, red "golfball" domes.
To see inside the church (which is worthwhile), ask for the key from a custodian sitting at a tiny table to your right as you enter La Martorana next door.
The austere stone interior, with bare walls and three petite stone cupolas over the nave, evokes a strong sense of the Middle Ages. Aside from the carved capitals, the only decoration is the fine mosaic tilework on the floor.
Quick Facts
| Site Information | |
| Names: | La Cataldo; Chiesa di San Cataldo |
| Location: | Palermo, Sicily, Italy |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Dedication: | St. Cataldo |
| Category: | Churches |
| Architecture: | Romanesque |
| Date: | 1154 |
| Patron(s): | Maio of Bari |
| Features: | Arab Influences |
| Visitor Information | |
| Address: | Piazza Bellini 3, Kalsa, Palermo, 90133 |
| Coordinates: | 38.1148° N, 13.3625° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
| Phone: | 091/6375622 |
| Public transport: | Bus: 101 or 102 |
Travel Resources
- Palermo Map - our detailed interactive map of Palermo, plus hand-picked links to more
- Palermo Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
- Palermo Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
Article Sources
- Chiesa della Martorana/San Cataldo - Frommer's Sicily
- San Cataldo - Fodor's Sicily
- The Rough Guide to Italy 7
Last updated on July 9, 2010.
