More than ever, I’m seeking a dinner date with Roger II (1095-1154) … An outstanding leader, Roger II incorporated and encouraged inclusion of all of the various cultures, religions, and races that shared Sicily–native Sicilian, Norman, Arab, Byzantine, Greek, Jewish, English, German, and more–into his government. As a result, Sicily thrived, and it became the…
Tag: Martorana
Piazza Bellini, Palermo, Sicily
View of Palermo’s Piazza Bellini from the roof of the Church of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria … La Martorana Church on the left, San Cataldo on the right, dome of Casa Professa or the Church of the Gesù, upper-right background.
Palermo Watches The Bustle
Palermo is a wise woman. An antique postcard next to a photo from May 2019 of the Martorana Church in Piazza Bellini illustrates that. We change, and she watches. Music about Palermo, written by Allison Scola and Joe Ravo. Performed by Villa Palagonia music duo… https://villa-palagonia.com/music/palermo-2/
Diamonds Under the Soles of Your Shoes
The spellbinding inlaid floor of the La Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (c. 1143) or, the “Martorana” Church, in Palermo is a splendid example of Arab and Norman architectural and decorative styles. Semi-precious stone and marble pieces create dizzying and spectacular mosaic designs.
Towering Beauty
The bell tower of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, affectionately known as “La Martorana,” rises above Palermo’s Piazza Bellini. Over the centuries this beloved church has been architecturally modified many times; however in-keeping with its native charm. It was commissioned in the 1140s by Admiral George of Antioch and originally built in the renowned Arab-Norman style. This…
Thank The Great Mother
Ferragosto is so closely associated with “mare o monte,” the sea or the mountains–where Italians spend this national holiday–that many forget the origins why they have the day off! August 15 is the Feast of the Assumption, the day Catholics celebrate when the Virgin Mother ascended body and soul into Heaven. This image, “Dormitio Virginis,”…
What’s Your Favorite Style?
Fans of architecture will love La Martorana church in Palermo. It’s initial construction started in the 1140s, exploiting the Arab-Norman style fostered by Roger II and in this case, his trusted admiral, George of Antioch. Then, over the centuries, it took on Baroque elements and other styles. It has Greek and Albanian influences because of…
Arab-Norman Mosaics
Arab-Norman mosaic detail from Martorana church in Palermo.
Coexisting Styles
The bell tower of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, affectionately known as “La Martorana,” rises above Palermo’s Piazza Bellini. Over the centuries this beloved church has been architecturally modified many times; however in-keeping with its native charm. It was commissioned in the 1140s by Admiral George of Antioch and originally built in the renowned Arab-Norman style. This…
That’s Dedication
Among all of the summer-fun of today’s Ferragosto celebration, let’s not forget that today is The Assumption, the feast day that celebrates the occasion when the Virgin Mother ascended into Heaven. This Byzantine-style mosaic, which dates between 1146-1151, is from Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio or “The Martorana” church in Palermo. It shows Admiral George of Antioch…