12th-century Byzantine mosaics and the only contemporary portrait of Roger II. The Greek-Byzantine rite is still celebrated here.
Distance
Area
Kalsa / Piazza Bellini
Visit
30 min
Entry
Ticketed
The story
Founded in 1143 by George of Antioch, Roger II's Syrian admiral, as a church of the Greek rite. The original Greek-cross core preserves a Byzantine mosaic cycle of the highest quality, including the famous scene of Roger II being crowned by Christ. It was extended in the 16th century and given Baroque frescoes in the 17th: in a few metres the church shows two overlaid worlds. It is the co-cathedral of the Eparchy of Piana degli Albanesi.