Church of Saint Cataldo

The Church of Saint Cataldo stands on Piazza Bellini in Palermo, beside the Church of the Martorana. Built in 1154, it is a compact example of Arab-Norman architecture, with three red domes, a solid sandstone exterior and blind arches. Inside, the spare walls draw attention to the 12th-century floor, laid with porphyry and serpentine stone. Come for the contrast between the restrained interior and the detailed exterior, and visit the neighboring church too if you want to compare two Norman-era buildings.

A church built in 1154

The Church of Saint Cataldo was built in 1154 under William I. It began as the chapel of a larger complex of buildings, which no longer survives. The church later served other purposes, including as a post office in the 19th century. It now serves as the seat of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher.

Its architecture brings together Norman forms and Islamic influence. The sandstone façade has recessed blind arches and pierced details, while three red domes rise above the compact building. The church is part of Palermo’s Arab-Norman architectural heritage and was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 2015.

Inside the church

The interior is notably plain, so the original floor draws the eye. It is made from porphyry and serpentine stone and dates to the 12th century. The contrast between the spare walls and the carefully patterned floor is central to the experience of the building.

Saint Cataldo stands beside the Church of the Martorana on Piazza Bellini. Visiting both gives you a chance to compare two churches from Palermo’s Norman period. Saint Cataldo’s simpler interior differs from the Martorana, which was partly altered in the 17th century.