Church of Santissima Annunziata (Chiesa di Santissima Annunziata) description and photos - Italy: Gaeta (Topic)

Church of Santissima Annunziata description and photos - Italy: Gaeta. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Chiesa di Santissima Annunziata.

Photo and description

The Church of Santissima Annunziata in Gaeta was built in the first half of the 14th century in the Gothic style, which was later changed. 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 luxurious polyptych by Andrea Sabatini, donated to her by a wealthy resident of Gaeta, 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 Santissimo Sacramento chapel, 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 facade of the church, designed by 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 - a huge window, and in the third - 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 facade, there is an antique side portal in the Gothic style. Probably the same was the original main portal of the church before the first reconstruction.

Inside the Santissima, the Annunziata consists of a central nave divided into four cross-vaulted aisles. In the first span, you can see two sprinklers made of colored marble, a large coat of arms of Gaeta under the window, a crucifix in a niche on the left wall and two confessionals. The second aisle with side altars is decorated with paintings by Luca Giordano. Special attention should be paid to the amazing Santissimo Sacramento chapel, the vaults of which are painted by Andrea Scapuzzi.

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Topic: Church of Santissima Annunziata (Chiesa di Santissima Annunziata) description and photos - Italy: Gaeta.