Church of San Cataldo
This point of interest is available as audio on the tour: Visit Palermo, Where Sicily’s Soul Comes Alive
You’re now just a few steps from the Church of San Cataldo. This small yet striking church was built in the 12th century by Maione of Bari, Grand Admiral to William I, King of Sicily during the Norman era. In 1182, it was granted to a community of Benedictine monks, who turned it into a hospice for the sick.
Its religious role was later put on hold when it became a royal post office for nearly a century. Over time, the building passed from hand to hand and fell into serious disrepair, until it was fully restored in the 19th century, bringing out its remarkable Arab-Norman architecture and distinctive red domes. The interior isn’t especially ornate, yet it still holds a quiet grandeur.
More than just a nod to Palermo’s Eastern influences, San Cataldo has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2015.
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