Description of the attraction
The Church of Santissima Annunziata in Gaeta was built in the first half of the 14th century in the Gothic style, which was later modified. Today it is an excellent example of Baroque architecture.
In 1321, the Gaetan bishop Francesco Bruno announced his intention to build a hospital in the city with an adjoining church. The construction took a long time, and only in 1354 the new church was consecrated in honor of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Santissima Annunziata. A year later, the hospital also opened.
In the 16th century, the church was decorated with a splendid polyptych by Andrea Sabatini, donated by the wealthy Gaeta resident Giuliano Cologna. In the same period, the first paintings appeared in the so-called Golden Chapel, located on the side of the apse. In 1619, the first reconstruction of the church began, as a result of which the building received its modern Baroque look. The author of the project was the Neapolitan architect Andrea Lazzari, who completed the facade. His son Jacopo worked on the creation of the chapel of Santissimo Sacramento, and his nephew on the interior of the temple. In 1686, Giuseppe de Martino made the organ, now installed in the right choirs. Another organ was purchased from the Cathedral. In the same 17th century, wooden choirs and two side altars were completed. The main altar appeared in the church only in the 19th century. In the 20th century, Santissima Annuciata had a difficult fate, mainly due to two world wars. Fortunately, all the works of art that adorned the church, including the ancient organ, have been preserved to this day.
The graceful façade of the church - the creation of Andrea Lazzari - faces a small square linking Via del Annunziata and the promenade of Giovanni Caboto. It is divided into three parts by means of large cornices. In the first section there is a portal, in the second there is a huge window, and in the third there is a small bell tower with a clock with ceramic lining. In the first and second sections, niches are visible on the sides, in which the statues of the saints should have been placed, but which were never made. The right facade of the church, facing the embankment, has recently been restored. On the left façade there is an antique side portal in the Gothic style. Probably the same was the original main portal of the church before the first renovation.
Inside Santissima, the Annunziata consists of a central nave divided into four cross-vaulted aisles. In the first span, you can see two sprinklers of colored marble, a large coat of arms of Gaeta under the window, a crucifix in a niche on the left wall, and two confessional chambers. The second aisle with side altars is decorated with paintings by Luca Giordano. Special attention should be paid to the amazing chapel of Santissimo Sacramento, the vaults of which are painted by Andrea Scapuzzi.
Description added:
blagonina 2013-30-09
The Sanctuary of Santissima Annunziata was intended to help the poor, sick and orphans. The Gothic structure has survived, but restoration work in 1624 transformed the sanctuary into a Baroque style. Here canvases by Sebastian Konk flaunt, you can see an exquisite wooden choir and the most valuable manuscripts
Show full text The Sanctuary of Santissima Annunziata was intended to help the poor, sick and orphans. The Gothic structure has survived, but restoration work in 1624 transformed the sanctuary into a Baroque style. Here you can see the canvases of Sebastian Konk, you can see an exquisite wooden choir and the most valuable handwritten notes of ancient church music. From the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, you can go to the Golden Grotto (Grotta d'Oro), so named because it is decorated with gilded carved wooden blocks with 19 paintings representing scenes from the life of Jesus and the Madonna.
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