Chiesa di San Cataldo

The Chiesa di San Cataldo stands on Piazza Bellini in Palermo's Kalsa area, Sicily, directly beside La Martorana. Built in the 12th century during the Norman period, it is one of the smallest and most recognisable Arab-Norman monuments in the city and forms part of the UNESCO Arab-Norman Palermo listing. The exterior is a compact block of pale stone with a crenellated parapet, blind arches and three red domes that stand out against the skyline. The red colour is a famous feature in photographs of the square. The interior is deliberately austere compared with the gold mosaics of nearby churches. It has three aisles divided by columns, bare stone walls and a floor of coloured mosaic, and the quiet, dim space is a contrast to the busy piazza outside. The church was never completed with decoration, which is part of its character. Visitors enter by a small ticket, and the visit takes only 15 to 20 minutes, making it an easy addition to a walking route through the old centre. The steps in front of the church look over Piazza Bellini and the facade of La Martorana, and many people photograph the three domes from the pavement or from the raised terrace. Mid-morning is a good time, when the sun catches the domes, while later in the day the square fills with café tables and tour groups. The church is a short walk from Quattro Canti and Piazza Pretoria, and a visit here pairs naturally with La Martorana next door. Opening hours can vary, so confirm locally.