The Annunziata Church in Motta Camastra

The Church in Motta Camastra

In Motta Camastra there is a beautiful church which is the oldest in the town and has origins Norman. It is certainly a small architectural gem that is worth a visit and which can be the right starting point to start wandering around in search of other beauties in and around Motta Camastra. For those who want to organize a tour to discover the church in Motta Camastra, here's everything you need to know.

History of the Annunziata Church in Motta Camastra

The Annunziata Church in Motta Camastra was officially built in the XNUMXth century, according to some documents that are still preserved inside it. However, other historical finds tell of a more distant origin.
In fact, it was probably built in the Norman era but there is no evidence of this original part. From an inscription which, however, was discovered on one of the bronze bells found inside the bell tower, it has been possible to ascertain that the church was opened for worship in 1161.
Over time, however, the church has suffered various adverse events, such as earthquakes and bombings during the Second World War, so much so that it was closed for a long time. In more recent years, however, the structure has undergone extensive renovation work and has been returned to the faithful during a beautiful ceremony in the presence of the bishop as well.

The architecture and any works of art present in the church in Motta Camastra

The Annunziata Church in Motta Camastra is very beautiful in its simplicity. The structure has a square plan, an unusual shape for a church of the time, which in turn is surmounted by a ribbed cross vault. The exterior is characterized by a single door with a double row of columns and a tall bell tower in which there are two bells, one of which bears the inscription of the date of consecration.
The interior, however, presents some truly fascinating details. An ancient pointed arch, in fact, separates the church into two areas, one dedicated to the religious and the other to the faithful. The bow is entirely in gray stone and it seems to date back to the first construction of the building.
There is also a second arch, this time round, inside which is kept a beautiful canvas attributed to Vincent Avola and made in the XNUMXth century which represents the Madonna del Carmine: probably the canvas came from Carmelite convent that was once present in the area. However, it is not the only valuable work that can be found inside the church.
In fact there are also two statues that date back to the same period and which represent Sant'Antonio Abate and San Calogero. Unfortunately the authors of these small masterpieces of craftsmanship are unknown.

What you can do around or inside the church in Motta Camastra

The Motta Camastra area is rich in beauties of all kinds, from historical to scenic ones, so it is worth organizing a trip of a few days to have time to admire everything calmly: in fact, there are numerous points of interest which are worth a visit.
In addition to the church in Motta Camastra dedicated to the Annunziata, it is also worth mentioning Church of St. Michael the Archangel which is called the Mother Church, since the saint is the patron saint of the town, and was built in the XNUMXth century. The gateway to the town is Via Roma from which you arrive at Corso Umberto which intersects with many narrow streets.
In one of these there is an ancient oil mill which is somewhat of a symbol of Motta and which gives a very realistic insight into life at the time. From here it is then possible to continue along Via XX Settembre which leads to an extremely suggestive little square called Piazza Roccamare and offers a breathtaking view over the entire Alcantara Valley.

Nearby is also Via Palestro which is worth remembering because right along this road there is an ancient palm grove which has recently undergone a careful renovation and represents one of the few examples of the time.
A visit to Motta Camastra can also be the right opportunity to participate in a singular event called "the mothers of Motta": consists of a widespread restaurant that allows visitors to have lunch or dinner in the houses of the Mottese people and taste the typical cuisine of the place, listening to the stories of this village. Finally, it is worth remembering that in the immediate vicinity of the town there is the Alcantara Natural Park, with its beautiful Gorges.

How to get to Motta Camastra

Visitors who decide to participate in the Walnut Festival in Motta Camastra can reach the town in various ways. First of all, they can use their own car, taking the A18 motorway from both Messina and Catania, with the exit at Fiume Freddo or at Giardini di Naxos.
Those who prefer the train, on the other hand, will have to travel a more complex route since the town does not have a station and the closest ones are Taormina or Santa Teresa di Riva. In both cases it is then possible to take advantage of the local bus service to reach Motta Camastra.