Basilica of Maria Santissima Annunziata
   Photo: Basilica of Maria Santissima Annunziata

Basilica of Maria Santissima Annunziata - Trapani old church and one of the main attractions of the city, located in its historical center. It is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary Carmelite.

The first small church was built on this spot in 1250, it was called Santa Maria del Parto, and belonged to the Order of Carmelite monks. Then, another was erected, large size church, which was enlarged in the 18th century.

Today this temple priceless marble statue of the Madonna and Child, also known as the Madonna di Trapani, who is credited with creating one of the greatest Italian sculptors of the 14th century, Nino Pisano. The statue is worshiped in all the Mediterranean countries, and now the Basilica is one of the most famous in the western Sicily.

Inside the church there is a chapel, built in 1586, which can be seen a silver statuette of St. Albert degli Abati, created by the master Vincenzo Bonayuto, and the ark with the relics of the saint, in particular, it holds his skull. Nearby is a small cell, where he lived Alberto degli Abati, and where lie the remains of Blessed Luigi Rabat. And under the main altar of the basilica remains of Roman martyr St. Clement.

The central nave of the church with sixteen columns and silver stucco was redone in 1742. designed by local architect Giovanni Biagio Amico Baroque-Renaissance. Above the main entrance stands a circular rose window.

Next to the Basilica is the Carmelite Monastery - the Order, which was once one of the biggest in Italy - and divided the monastery courtyard. Today the monastery houses the Museum Agostino Pepoli. A little further on is the Garden Villa Pepoli, turned into a city park.

Each year, 1 to August 16 in Trapani religious festival is held in honor of the Madonna and Child, which attracts thousands of pilgrims and which completes the process with the removal of the Basilica replica of the famous statue.

  I can complement the description  


Basilica of Maria Santissima Annunziata