We report the efficient preparation of an A(2)D(2) (A = acceptor and D = donor) metallacyde 2 = [(en)(2)Pd-2(1)(2)](NO3)(4), using the coordination driven self-assembly of trans-azobenzene based bispyridyl ligand 1 and (en)Pd(NO3)(2) (en = ethylenediamine). In the metallacyde, the trans-azobenzene units serve both as a structural element and as sites for subsequent host-guest chemistry with beta-cyclodextrin, leading to the formation of a [2] catenane 3. This catenation process is reversible and can be switched off and on in a photocontrollable manner via the trans-cis isomerization of the azobenzene units.