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:

Wikipedia

Religious sites in Italy

User Reviews

Luca Cuzzucrea (2 years ago)
very nice style of the church, also located in a good position, above the cathedral and in front of the castle, to visit

Emanuela Zaffuto (2 years ago)
I attend .... I like it so much .... following the mass ....

Milena (3 years ago)
My review does not want to express opinions from an artistic point of view but to evaluate as negative the experience with one of the priests, who proposed spiritual meetings, which, I presume for the period of restrictions, would have taken place via zoom, inviting people to subscribe Receiving the email with the notification of the meeting, I politely asked for information on the time and, this priest, not only evaded my pertinent question, but, without a hint of kindness, invited me "to get help from someone". wearing the dress of a minister of God should use cordiality, courtesy and humility with his neighbor, undressing himself from arrogance and carelessness, remembering that he is At the Service of the others *. Good manners and affability above all

Flora Dagostino (3 years ago)
Little, indeed not at all inclined to give information on the activities of the parish. Approximate approach

Fausto Ripani (3 years ago)
Closed in August! 28/8 Not even the shadow of scaffolding. Closed! After all, like other places of public interest. See castle opposite.

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The site appears to have been abandoned again around 1800 BC, at the onset of the Nuragic age.

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