Palermo · Piazza Bellini and Casa Professa
La Martorana
The church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, known for its 12th-century Byzantine mosaics. The visit is short and centred on the interior.
- 45 min
- €2
- Booking: not needed
- Piazza Bellini and Casa Professa
Data checked on November 2, 2026
The church was founded in the 12th century by the admiral George of Antioch and sits on Piazza Bellini. The mosaics cover the dome and the walls of the older part of the building, with a Christ Pantocrator and scenes in gold. The later part of the church has baroque decoration. Visits are quiet and quick, and it is usually combined with San Cataldo, which stands beside it.
What to look for
- Byzantine mosaics in the dome
- Gold mosaics in the older part of the church
- Baroque decoration of the later part
Opening hours
| Monday | 10:00 am–1:00 pm | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 am–1:00 pm | |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am–1:00 pm | |
| Thursday | 10:00 am–1:00 pm | |
| Friday | 10:00 am–1:00 pm | |
| Saturday | 10:00 am–1:00 pm | |
| Sunday | Closed |
Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 13:00. On Sundays the church is open only for Mass at 11:00.
Source: Comune di Palermo, Ufficio Turismo (orari al 12 novembre 2025), checked November 2, 2026
Tickets and booking
Adult ticket €2. The ticket is 2 euros, or 1 euro with the Circuito del Sacro.
Getting there
Tip
Go in the morning and allow time to look at the mosaics from different corners of the nave. Visit San Cataldo next door afterwards.