CHIESA DELLA MARTORANA

The Chiesa della Martorana, also known as Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, is a church of Greco-Eastern rite. This splendid Norman edifice was built in 1143 by Admiral George of Antioch on the plans of an Arab mosque. Its name comes from the founder of the Benedictine monastery to which it was ceded in the 15th century, Heloise Martorana. The church underwent numerous alterations in the 16th century and especially in the Baroque period when, in 1688, its concave façade was built. From the outside one can admire its magnificent 12th century campanile of Arab-Norman type, decorated with polychrome inlays and illuminated by geminated bays. Under the bell tower is the entrance, from which one reaches a 17th century atrium divided by columns. Admire two superb mosaics, representing Roger II crowned by Jesus on the right, and Admiral George at the feet of the Virgin on the left, cover the side walls.

In the primitive part, which has been reworked many times, the 12th century mosaic cycle on the walls is of great beauty, always with Christ Pantocrator watching. It is the work of Byzantine artists. Small marzipan sweets owe their name to this church. La fruta martorana was made for the Feast of the Dead, at the beginning of November, by the nuns of the Benedictine convent of La Martorana. Even today, the colourful berries still fill the stalls in the Piazza Olivella district. Note that the light on the mosaics is superb early in the morning.