Novel monolithic catalysts for the high-temperature combustion of methane have been developedwith a dual-site nature, to combine low and high temperature activity within a single systemand widen its operating range. Such catalysts are based on strongly interacting Pd and LaMnO
3active phases supported onto La/
-alumina and applied as a thick washcoat on ceramichoneycombs. Optimization of the preparation procedure and catalyst characterization wereperformed with respect to the effects of Pd deposition method, catalyst activation strategy, andthermal history in comparison with previously developed catalysts based only on supportedperovskite. Extensive methane combustion tests (steady state and transient) were run underboth isothermal and autothermal lean premixed conditions in order to study intrinsic oxidationactivity, light-off behavior, and real life performance in the middle to high temperature range.Experimental evidence is presented for improved activity, stability, and durability of the catalyticsystem, and for a self-regenerative behavior of Pd active sites through reversible interactionwith perovskite lattice. Implications of novel combined catalyst functionalities are addressedwith respect to operation of a fully catalytic burner.