Santissima Annunziata Church in Ispica

La Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata it is one of the most important sacred buildings of ispica, a town populated by about 16 inhabitants in the Free Municipal Consortium of Ragusa.
The history of Church of the Santissima Annunziata in Ispica it begins in 1704, when the new century brings the construction of the Church, after the earthquake of the Val di Noto of 1693 had destroyed many of the most beautiful buildings in south-eastern Sicily. Even the Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata, like many other churches of the period, was therefore built to replace a sacred building previously destroyed by the earthquake.
Among the works that were kept in the old Church, some dating back to the XNUMXth century were saved from the earthquake and are now kept in the Basilica.
The construction of the Church and its consecration took place in 1720 and since then the Basilica has been one of the most important sacred buildings in the city, under the administration of the Diocese of Noto.

The architecture of the Church of the Santissima Annunziata in Ispica and the works it houses

The Church built between 1704 and 1720 is clearly of Baroque style and inside you can identify some decorative elements typical of the Rococo. Due to other earthquakes and some imperfect restructuring interventions, in the following century the Church of the Santissima Annunziata was partially damaged and then restructured during the nineteenth century, until it appeared as we see it today.
The current façade of the Basilica was built in the XNUMXth century: three superimposed orders reproduce a pyramidal figure and in the third order, the highest, we can admire the statue of the Annunciation, pinnacles, spheres and other decorations. In the order below we can admire a window in the center of the prospectus, surrounded by columns with Corinthian capitals, while in the first order there are the door of the Church, eight columns with Ionic capitals and two circular windows that let the light shine inside the Church Of sun.
Upon entering, you encounter three naves, eight bays and many works of sacred art, while the dome of the church, with its stuccoes and geometric decorations, which make it almost hypnotic. Among the most interesting works kept in the Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata in Ispica, we point out the painting of the Baptism of Jesus and the nearby Baptismal Font, the pulpit and the statue of San Vito Martire.

What to do at the Church of the Santissima Annunziata in Ispica and its surroundings

If you spend a stay in Ispica, plan a long stop at the Church of the Santissima Annunziata: here you will find incredible beauties and, if you love art, you really want to see them all! Later, also discover the other Churches of Ispica, such as the Mother Church of San Bartolomeo, built in 1750 and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, which is located just in front of the beautiful Loggia del Sinatra, constituting a large architectural and artistic complex designed by the famous architect Vincenzo Sinatra of Noto. Then there is another sacred building, in Ispica, which we recommend you visit, and it is there Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a Baroque reconstruction of the previous church destroyed in 1693 by the earthquake.
Il Bruno Palazzo Belmonte, Palazzo Antonio Bruno and Modica Palace are some of the most beautiful noble palaces in the city and we advise you to find them all in the streets of the centre, so that while walking you can also meet the other attractions of Ispica, such as churches, convents and palaces hidden in the streets of the centre.
In Ispica they are tasted traditional dishes from Ragusa, such as the stuffed leg of lamb, beans with fresh mint flavor and prawn salad and there are many places in the center where you can enjoy a fresh and light lunch or a delicious dinner with traditional desserts.
From Ispica, you will easily reach destinations such as Pozzallo, Modica, Ragusa and Noto.

How is it possible to get to the Church of the Santissima Annunziata in Ispica

Ispica can be reached both by car and by train. By train, just get off at Ragusa Station (about 21 km from the centre) and reach Ispica by bus or shuttle, while in the car take the exit for Rosolini from the A18 Messina-Catania (5 km from the destination).