LA MARTORANA CHURCH, Interior

As you can see, the first part of the church dates to the Baroque period, and it is decorated with frescoes from the 18th century. The most interesting part is further along, towards the dome, where marvelous glittering gold lights up the interior. Unfortunately, only two panels from the Norman decoration have survived: Christ crowning Roger II, and George of Antioch in adoration of the Virgin.

You’ll see that the church is organized around the dome supported by four columns from which four arms form the pattern of a cross, with the altar in the center. The most enchanting feature of the church is the extraordinary mosaic decoration which is quite well preserved. Each moment of the liturgy is illustrated with the appropriate figures.

The mosaics, dating to around 1150, are arranged in a simple, symmetrical pattern, in which everything revolves around the all-powerful figure of Christ Pantocrator, depicted at the center of the dome. Christ is seated on the throne administering blessings surrounded by angels in adoration. The Prophets are depicted on the drum that connects the church to the dome, and you can see the Four Evangelists in the niches....