Historical notes
Three red domes immediately call attention to the tiny church of San Cataldo on the central Piazza Bellini. A pristine example of Arab-Norman architecture, San Cataldo dates from 1160 and has survived into the present days in a mostly original state. With dour stone walls and a refreshing lack of interior decoration, it reeks of ancient Norman legend.
For a long time, the church was used as a post office, which speaks to Palermo's almost wearisome abundance of grand old buildings.The church of San Cataldo was founded by Maio of Bari, chancellor to William I, during the Norman occupation in 1154. After Maio died in 1160, the interior was never completed. The church has belonged to the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre since 1937.