Chiesa degli Ottimati

Reggio Calabria, Italy

The Chiesa degli Ottimati history is documented as early as the 10th century. The present name derives from a Norman confraternity that rebuilt the church, and dedicated it to the Virgin of the Annunciation. The Ottimati were a congregation of nobles founded by the Normans. Over time, these included the Filocamo, Griso, Altavilla and Borboni.

The original layout appears to have been a Greek cross, with multiple domes. The Normans under Roger II, built a church on top, eliminating many of the domes. On September 3, 1594 the church was damaged and burned during a sack of the town by Saracen raiders. In 1597, the church commissioned a new painting of the Annunciation by Agostino Ciampelli.

By the 18th century, the church was affiliated with the Jesuits, and a school was adjacent. With the suppression of the Jesuits in 1767, the church fell empty. It was damaged by earthquakes in 1783 and 1908. The church rebuilt after 1908 moved from the original location, and was completed in 1933, using a design by Pompilio Seno, who adopted a neo-Byzantine style with Arab-Norman elements. Some elements from the destroyed Norman basilica of Santa Maria di Terreti were used.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 10th century AD
Category: Religious sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Sergio Salvato (SweeTime) (7 months ago)
The church, which stands close to the Aragonese Castle, is easily identifiable by its red dome of clear Byzantine inspiration, while the plan has 3 naves divided by a colonnade. The original church was demolished in 1916, while the current one is a project by the architect Pompilio Seno dating back to 1927 and owes its name to the fact that, since 1564, it was used by a brotherhood of Reggio nobles, the Venerable Congregation of Nobles the title of the SS. Announced". The church was perhaps a private chapel of the Norman kings and this is evident from some architectural aspects of the crypt and from the precious Romanesque-Norman mosaic floor.
Ivano Stipa (9 months ago)
The church of the Ottimati (or of Santa Maria Annunziata) stands in Piazza Castello. Inside, the church has a Latin cross plan, with three naves where it is divided by pillars and columns, while numerous windows illuminate the room. On the Baroque style altar two columns enclose the picture of the Annunciation. In the apse of the right aisle there is a large wooden crucifix. Open every day from 8:30 to 19:30 Free entry
Graziano Preite (11 months ago)
Stupendous. Little advertised, and perhaps from the outside you don't understand the preciousness of the place, given the numerous alterations it has undergone over time. But the Cosmatesque mosaic on the floor is worth the trip: it is one of the most precious mosaics in Italy, to remain restricted to our nation. Gorgeous designs with tiny tiles, especially in the part closest to the altar. Needless to make further descriptions, a must see.
Olivier Mondet (2 years ago)
Small church in front of the castle. Front and warm colors and a simple interior. A very nicely decorated floor and a magnificent painting in the choir behind the altar.
hery narindra jeannot “BOYSAMA” Rakotoarimanana (3 years ago)
A place where I could really pray.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.