Basilica Maria Santissima Annunziata in Comiso
The Basilica of Maria Santissima Annunziata in Comiso is one of the main places of worship in the city.
It was built on the remains of the ancient church of San Nicola di Mira. Starting from 1557 the cult of the Holy Virgin Annunziata was placed side by side with that of the titular saint. Following the earthquake of 1963, the church suffered extensive damage, therefore its reconstruction was necessary. The project was entrusted to Cascione Vaccarini, grandson of the more famous G. B. Vaccarini and in 1772 the works that lasted for many years were begun. In the second half of the nineteenth century the imposing dome was raised and later one of the two bell towers envisaged in the original project was erected.
The Basilica of Maria Santissima Annunziata is preceded by a staircase that connects it to the street level below. The façade has a pyramidal structure at the apex of which there are four statues and a crucifix in the center, against which the scenic dome of the Basilica forms the background. The church has three portals, of which the main one, larger than the side ones, is enriched by the presence of two columns and by various engravings on its surface.
The interior has a Latin cross plan, on whose cross it stands the majestic dome, and is divided into three aisles with a barrel vault supported by ten large round arches resting on slender cylindrical columns.
Among the numerous works kept in the church of particular value is the Simulacrum of Maria Santissima Annunziata depicting the moment of the Annunciation.
