Santa Maria della Catena is a historic church located in Palermo, Sicily, and its story is intertwined with both religious and architectural significance. The church's name, "Santa Maria della Catena," translates to "St. Mary of the Chain."

The church was originally built in the 15th century, between 1490 and 1520, during the Spanish rule of Sicily. It was constructed on the site of an earlier church and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The "chain" in its name refers to the chain that was once placed across the nearby port, connecting the church to the Aragonese tower, which has since been demolished.

I was struck by this fresco from 1392 by an unknown artist. It goes back to the Greek Byzantine tradition and the Child, slightly hideous, is portrayed as a balding adult with wrinkles.