Sanctuary of Annunziata in Bronte
The Sanctuary of Maria Santissima Annunziata di Bronte, patron saint of the city with San Biagio, is one of the oldest religious monuments in the city. The sanctuary stands on the western edge of the town, in the lower part of the ancient historic center.
The date of construction is not known, it is known for sure that this is prior to 1535: the large bell shows this date. At that time, according to historical sources, the church was rebuilt and enlarged and dedicated to the Madonna Annunziata. The construction of the bell tower dates back to 1625, the facade of the Sanctuary was completed in 1631, the choir and the pointed hemispherical dome were added in 1811.
The external part of the church, due to the design of the bottoms and openings of the mighty bell tower structure, is significantly affected by local architectural concepts and construction techniques.
The façade has a door, whose jambs and pediment in sandstone, although flaked by time, have a design of the flower and the figures of putti and demons in relief that adorn it. Above the door is shown the scene that recalls the transport and arrival on the church square of the two statues by Gagini on a cart pulled by oxen. The bronze reliefs of the door show the names of the districts and of the 24 Casali which from 1535 to 1548 met by order of Charles V in ancient Bronte and which in the Madonna Annunziata, their protector, found a new common identity. The door is the work of the Bronte sculptor Mimmo Girbino.
Of particular value is the bell tower of 1625, spiked and of massive proportions, characterized by showy rusticated parastre and crenellated crowning.
The interior has a single nave with a square presbytery before the choir.
