San Cataldo - one of the oldest churches in Palermo, is strikingly similar to the eastern mosque. Located in Piazza Bellini, near the Church of Martorana, it is a monument of Arab-Norman architecture, which combines Byzantine and Arab features.

The church dedicated to Saint Cataldo was built in the 12th century on the initiative of Mayo da Bari, the Minister of the Sicilian King William I of the wicked one. Initially it was a personal temple Mayo and stood on the site of his palace. However, after the death of the Minister of all his property was sold to Count Silvestro Marsico, whose son in 1175, in turn, sold the palace complex of King Wilhelm II good. Seven years later, the palace with the church became the property of the monastery of Monreale.

For five hundred years of San Cataldo he was in possession of the archbishops of Montréal - at that time next to the parish church became a small cemetery was arranged. Palace Mayo monks first used as a hospital and then placed it in the archbishop's residence. Significant restoration works were carried out there in 1625 and 1679 respectively. And in 1620, the southeastern part of the palace was sold to the Senate of Palermo, and then it turned into the current Palazzo Pretoria.

In the late 18th century palace Mayo and the church of San Cataldo were bought from the archbishopric of King Ferdinand II, who gave the church under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Palermo and the palace has ordered to equip mail. Only a hundred years later the palace was demolished and the hill on which it stood, sryli to its very foundations. Through this event the church of San Cataldo, previously hidden from all sides of various buildings, was open eyes of the public. It has undergone major restoration work, which resulted in the church acquired its original appearance. In 1937 it became the property of the Order of Malta.

The architecture of the church is rather unusual: it represents a box with three hemispherical domes. Such structures can be seen in the Italian region of Apulia, and in North Africa. Even a simple tourist it is clear that there has not been without a clear Arab influence. Three false facade of the church are decorated with arches, and only the south facade, once adjoining the palace, devoid of decorations. On the roof you can see the typical Arabian thread. From interior decoration have survived only altar and inlaid floor, dating back to the 12th century. And on one wall is an epitaph in honor of Matilda, who died as an infant daughter of Count Silvestro Marsico.