Martorana - one of the two cathedrals Piana degli Albanesi diocese (Italo-Albanian Catholic Church) in Palermo. The official name of the church, located at the Piazza Bellini - San Nicolas del Greci, as it is popularly known also as Santa Maria del Ammiralo. Next to it are the temples of San Cataldo, Santa Caterina and San Giuseppe dei Teatino.

Martorana was built in the 12th century in the widespread while in Sicily throughout the Arab-Norman style - have survived unique Byzantine frescoes of the era, one of the oldest on the island. A special feature of the church is that it harmoniously combines the features of Byzantine, Greek and Islamic heritage.

Initially, the church was dedicated Bogroditse, as evidenced by its ancient name - Santa Maria del Ammiralo. This occurred, according to historical sources, in the middle of the 12th century. Palace belonged to the temple of George of Antioch, which was later incorporated into the complex monastrysky Martorana, but, unfortunately, was destroyed during the Second World War. For three centuries, the Santa Maria del Ammiralo belonged to the Greek parish. Rather, it was in those years was built the bell tower of the church.

In 1194 next to the church was laid on a female Benedictine monastery called Martorana after its founders - Geoffrey and Heloise Martorana. In the first half of the 15th century Santa Maria del Ammiralo was officially incorporated into the monastery - the church appeared as a second name. In the 17th century architect Andrea Palma has attached to the northern part of the baroque facade of the church, which now adorns the Piazza Bellini. Then on the ruins of the apse of the chapel was built, also in the Baroque style.

In the second half of the 19th century monastery of Martorana it was abolished, and the church became the property of the Italian government. In the years 1870-1873 there were held serious restoration work, during which part of the Baroque elements were removed. And in 1935 Mussolini gave the church the Albanian community of Palermo, which made it the second cathedral of the diocese. After World War II Martorana was officially named San Nicolas del Greci as the first cathedral of the same name it was destroyed during the bombing of the city and the parish was transferred to Martoranu. However, the name has not been strengthened among the inhabitants of Palermo.

Today Martorana - this is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the medieval city and the church is the most popular among honeymooners. Its interior can be seen in the movie "The Talented Mr. Ripley." And the name of the church are artificial marzipan fruits that nuns once did at Easter - Frutti Martorana.