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Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana)

Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana), Palermo

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Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana)

See all things to do
See all things to do
Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana)
4.5
2,676
#5 of 512 things to do in Palermo
Churches & Cathedrals
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9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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About
This chapel is known for its superb gold Byzantium mosaics.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Palazzo Reale
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,686 within 3 miles
Otto Breakfast & Grill
115
362 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • Bar • International
Sobremesa Ristorantino
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0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Dolce Capo
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0.3 miDessert
Biga Genio e Farina
444
0.3 mi$ • Italian • Pizza • Fast Food
Canopia Palermo
142
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Healthy
Caffetteria del Corso
613
0.2 mi$ • Dessert • Italian • Cafe
Solo Patate
144
0.2 mi$ • Italian • Fast Food • Sicilian
Arancinando®
212
0.3 mi$ • Fast Food • Mediterranean • Sicilian
SpremiAmO
393
0.3 mi$ • Dessert • Italian • Healthy
Il CAMBUSONE
853
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
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Attractions
501 within 6 miles
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Church of San Cataldo
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131 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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627
0.1 miHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
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2,319
339 ftFountains
Piazza Pretoria
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,676 reviews
Excellent
2,069
Very good
529
Average
54
Poor
12
Terrible
12
Sally62
Northampton, UK4,576 contributions
Just beautiful - don't miss it!
The last time we visited, we were only able to see the mosaics from the back of the church for a minute or two as it was about to shut. This time, we made sure to visit when you were free to walk around and I would advise you to do the same. It's a small church but the mosaics are just stunning. You do have to pay to enter but you can buy a ticket that allows cheaper entry into other sites in the city too. Check the visiting times on the website before you visit and don't miss it.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kevin0brien
Cardiff, UK130 contributions
Breathtaking Cathedral
This is without question one of the most beautiful cathedrals I have ever seen. The whole of the interior tells the most wonderful stories and is quite breathtaking.
Make sure you put this on your Sicily bucket list.
Written November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jazzumbo
Romania1,578 contributions
A Church that Tells a Story
Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (Church of the Admiral) was built about 900 years ago by Muslim constructors for an Orthodox Christian admiral – George of Antioch, who paid mosaic crafters from Constantinople to come to Palermo and decorate it with stunning Byzantine mosaics. One of the mosaics depicts George of Antioch praying to Virgin Mary, while another one shows the Norman King Roger of Sicily receiving the power and crown directly from Jesus. After the death of the admiral, the church became Catholic and starting from XVI century went under several transformations and restorations.
Currently, some of the Byzantine mosaics, displaying messages in Greek language, are still visible near the Catholic frescoes painted in XVIII century, while the high altar is Baroque. Since George of Antioch was fluently speaking Arabic, there are also some Arabic inscriptions on two of the columns, so the mixture of styles and influences in this church is really mind-blowing.
Written October 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kciff
Fox Island, WA1,016 contributions
A wonder of golden mosaics
Take a seat inside you will need time to absorb the sight. The interior design is full of symmetry from the ceiling to the floor, side isles. After sitting for awhile walk around and look at the paintings. Then step outside and marvel at the architecture of the whole building which is a mix of styles with a baroque entry and a Norman tower.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Israel R
Ra'anana, Israel16,126 contributions
The MOST decorated and ornate church Baroque Style I have ever seen. Amazing !!! A must, NOT 2 B MISSED.
The Church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio ( LA Martorana) established in 1143 and underwent changes and extensions during the Baroque period. The church has a plethora of stucco and enamel decorations, wonderful fresco paintings and an amazing mosaic of "Jesus Pantokrator Surrounded by Angels." One of a variety of mosaics on the walls and whichever way you look. This church is a highly recommended site NOT 2 B MISSED.
Written June 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David F
Msida, Malta27 contributions
A manificent Norman legacy
I visted this beautiful old church some fours years ago on a organized tour with thankfully knowledgeable guides. - a scene of historic and artistic wonder, but unfortunately rather crowded when we visited. I seem to remember a remarkable mosaic showing King Roger being crowned directly by Christ, while that the building had Saracen influences and features. I would love to re-visit. Recomended.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert L
Amherst, MA1,518 contributions
WOW
Solo
This should be at the top of anyone's list of sites that are essential to see. Impressive mosaics above all. Pay attention to the division of the building between the Medieval frescoes and later mosaics. You can see the difference in periods right down to the floor tiles.
Very impressive site.
Written March 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GalwayForever
Dublin, Ireland24 contributions
Great Experience and exquisite Martorana Fruit taste
Martorana church has got one of the most beautiful terrace on Palermo city and Dock I 've never enjoyed.
Church itself is a little treasure : indoor and outdoor. Little steeps lead you easily to the roof to admire the scenario.
Down there a little, exquisite tipical Italian courte garden with a fountain, welcome you untill the Martorana pasticceria. So you must take a piece of Martorana fruit or a Sicilian Cannolo! Superb location.
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bex Deptford
London, UK86 contributions
Amazing
Solo
This is an amazing little gem easy to miss. It belongs to the Albanian/Arbëresh eparchy, which kept the eastern orthodox rite since they arrived here in 15th century fleeing from Turks in their homeland. The liturgy is in old Greek and old Albanian. The frescoes are divine. A glimpse into mini Condtantinople in the middle of Sicily
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aburel
Bucharest, Romania2,402 contributions
Stunning
Very small church to bring together Greek and baroque at the same place. Beautiful mosaics, amazing lighting, beautiful choral music as a background. A truly amazing experience. Take a sit, admire the ceiling and listen.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana)
Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana) is open:
  • Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Tue - Sat 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana) tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 16 Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio (La Martorana) tours on Tripadvisor