LA MARTORANA CHURCH, Exterior

Hi, my name’s Jill, and I’m your personal guide. Along with MyWoWo, I’d like to welcome you to one of the Wonders of the World: La Martorana Church, a gem of Norman architecture.

La Martorana Church, also known as Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, was built on the orders of George of Antioch, Grand Admiral of King Roger II’s fleet of the Kingdom of Sicily, to give thanks to the Virgin Mary, who he believed had rescued him at sea.  

The main part of the church, the part around the dome, was completed in 1143. In 1185, there was an addition of an elegant entrance area, composed of a hall with splendid mosaic decorations, preceded by the bell tower which is still there. Unfortunately, this part underwent extensive renovation work at the end of the 16th century, which included the demolition of the original facade and the elegant portico that linked it to the bell tower. The concave facade that faces the square dates to the 17th century, even though it is interesting, its shape and size are completely different from the design of the Norman church.

In 1433, the church was given over to the Benedictine nuns of the adjoining convent, who unfortunately took down the main apse to make way for a large choir in which they could all gather together to sing.  ...