Chiesa dell'Annunziata - Alcamo

The original nave of the Church of the Annunziata was built during the Aragonese period, most likely between 1332 and 1379, although according to the historian Ignazio De Blasi it dates from 1032. In Piazza della Libertà, where the state police headquarters are now located, it was Monastery of the Carmelite Fathers. After the suppression of the religious orders in 1866, the Carmelites were expelled from the monastery, which was turned into barracks, while the church remained abandoned . In 1866 the church collapsed.

The church, which is normally closed to the public, is often used for cultural events, especially exhibitions and music concerts.

Perhaps even before 1380, there existed the brotherhood of Maria Santissima Annunziata , which is believed to have been the oldest of the Alcamese brotherhoods.

Of the original structure , one row of columns with pointed arches in Catalan and Italian style remains (corresponding to the right side nave) and some chapels enriched with precious decorative elements. The square bell tower was built in the early 15th century. At the back of the church there are three apses, also topped by pointed arches.

Under the parsonage there is a crypt that is used as a public grave . In the crypt there is a fresco of the Holy Cross.

In addition to the chapel of the patron saint Stefano Adragna, the chapel of the patron saint Francesco Lombardo is worth seeing for its special small apse basin . This is sculpted in the shape of a shell, in Baroque style, with a bluestone ring arch.

Willem Vandenameele