Church of San Cataldo, Palermo

This small church in the heart of Palermo is one of the most striking survivals of the Norman era, recognised at once for the three red bulbous domes crowning its plain stone cube. Built in the 12th century, its severe, almost geometric exterior reflects the strong Islamic influence on Sicilian architecture of the period. The interior is spare and dignified, with pointed arches, a mosaic floor and slit windows admitting shafts of light. It belongs to a valued group of Arab-Norman monuments.