Basilica of Santissima Annunziata in Ispica
The Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata di Ispica is one of the main places of worship in the city.
It was built in the 18th century following the earthquake of 1693 on the wide plateau of the Cugni. On 23 March 1869, following imprudent restoration works, the façade of the church fell and therefore it became necessary to rebuild a new facade.
The current facade is divided into three three orders separated by a thick string course. In the first order, eight coupled Ionic-style columns placed on high limestone plinths delimit the three portals of the church. The main portal is framed by a broken arched tympanum with an intermediate coat of arms. The second order, in Corinthian style, is characterized by a large glass window bordered by pairs of coupled columns. Two large sails with curled scrolls connect the two orders. The third order is the intermediate part of the broken tympanum of the paired columns of the second. Decorations with scrolls, vases, pinnacles and apical cross complete.
The interior of the church, with a Latin cross and three naves, is decorated with white-blue and gilded stuccoes that adorn the walls, pillars and vaults on which there are various panels with scenes from the Old and New Testament, the work of Gianforma. On the altars there are paintings and statues made between the sixteenth and twentieth centuries.
Of particular interest is the statue of "Christ with the Cross" by Francesco Guarino from 1729, carried in procession on Good Friday.
