Martorana

Overview

The Martorana is a stunning church in Palermo, known for its beautiful Byzantine mosaics and Norman architecture. It is a significant historical and cultural landmark in Sicily.

The Martorana is a prime example of Norman-Byzantine architecture and houses some of the most important Byzantine mosaics outside of Constantinople.

Religious Site Historical Site

Location

Address

Piazza Bellini 3, Palermo, Sicily

Neighborhood: Palermo Historic Center

Coordinates

38.120300, 13.358100

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

€7

Children

Free (under 18)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds and better lighting for photos

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

half-day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

• flowers in the surrounding area
• Easter celebrations

summer

hot and sunny

• extended visiting hours
• outdoor concerts in the area

autumn

cool and pleasant

• fall foliage in nearby parks
• wine festivals in Sicily

winter

cold and sometimes rainy

• Christmas decorations in the city
• holiday markets in Piazza Bellini

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets online in advance
Bring a valid ID
Check the weather forecast

What to Bring

essential

Valid ID Water bottle Printed or digital ticket

seasonal

Light jacket (spring/autumn) Sunglasses and hat (summer) Umbrella (winter)

not allowed

Large bags or backpacks Tripods without permission Professional photography equipment without a permit

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (some walking and standing)

• Uneven floors and steps inside the church
• Limited seating available

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash (Euros), Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard)

Currency

Euros (EUR)

Typical Costs

entry €7

guided tour €15

audio guide €5

parking €3/hour

Dress Code

Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered for religious sites), Comfortable walking shoes, Closed-toe shoes for walking on uneven surfaces, Revealing clothing (e.g., short shorts, tank tops)

Booking Tips

• At least a week in advance for peak season
• Official website or authorized ticket vendors
• 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Available for online bookings

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Palermo Historic Sites

Size: 45 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Ticket booking, Event calendar

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Nearby cafes

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO)

Distance: 32 km

Travel Time: 45 minutes

taxi

€50-60 45 min

public_transport

€6.60 1 hour 15 min

From City Center

Distance: 1.5 km

metro

€1.40 15 min

bus

€1.40 20 min

taxi

€10-15 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: It's a symbol of Palermo's rich history and cultural heritage

Historical Significance: The church was founded in 1143 by King Roger II and is a blend of Norman, Byzantine, and Arab architectural styles

Insider Tips

Visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday for a more peaceful experience
The best granita in town is just a short walk away at Café del cassaro
The church is free to enter on the first Sunday of the month

Local Recommendations

• Try a granita with brioche at a nearby cafe
• Visit the local markets for fresh produce and souvenirs
• Ask for a guide who can explain the Byzantine and Norman history

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Ciao

thank_you Grazie

where_is Dov'è

how_much Quanto costa?

beautiful Bello

ticket Biglietto

Guide Languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance

Best Time: Golden hour (late afternoon)

Tips: Capture the intricate facade with a wide-angle lens

Result: Stunning architectural details with warm lighting

#Martorana #Palermo #NormanArchitecture #ByzantineMosaics #TravelItaly

Interior mosaics

Best Time: Mid-morning with soft natural light

Tips: Use a tripod for low-light conditions and capture the vibrant colors

Result: Vibrant and detailed shots of the mosaics

#ByzantineArt #ChurchInterior #HistoricalSites #ItalyTravel #PalermoCharm

Photography Rules

allowed areas Exterior of the church, Interior (without flash)

prohibited areas Altar area during services, Restricted sections as indicated by staff

flash photography Not allowed inside the church

commercial photography Permission required for professional shoots

drone policy Not permitted

tripod policy Allowed with prior permission

selfie sticks Allowed but used discretion to avoid disturbing others

Nearby Attractions

Palermo Cathedral

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Cathedral

Palazzo dei Normanni

Distance: 600m

Walking: 8 min

Type: Historic Palace

Quattro Canti

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Historical Square

Piazza Pretoria

Distance: 400m

Walking: 6 min