Built between the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century, the reference to the cult of the Patron Saint Anna is clear: the disputed and precious relic belonging to the Mother of Mary arrived in the city in 1454.
It collapsed following the earthquakes that affected the district in 1818, '19 and '23 was rebuilt in 1830 without the original dome, after demolishing the two bell towers, damaged by the seismic swarms, keeping the surviving parts. The reconstructed architectural complex is presented in a neoclassical style.
The Latin cross interior is divided into three naves supported by twelve stone columns, covered with stucco. We can admire the stuccos that cover the four columns of the two altars of the transept, characteristic of the Serpotta art, while the angels of the pediment of the dome, on the triumphal arch, belong to the hand of Vincenzo Messina. The large wooden cross (1400) is perhaps the work of Pietro Ruzzolone. The work of the Antonellian school is the late-Gothic triptych with Flemish influences and coming from the church of Sant'Antonio Abate. It represents the Madonna, Sant'Antonio Abate and Sant'Agata; above the Ecce Homo with the Annunciation and the archangel Gabriel; in the predella the scenes of the Martyrdom of Sant'Agata, the Fire of Sant'Antonio and the Nativity.
The treasure from the Matrice Vecchia is rich in works, including the 16th century monstrance by Bartolomeo Tantillo. In the sacristy an eighteenth-century sedan chair, with the miniatures by Giuseppe Velasquez, who is also credited with a canvas depicting a Deposition from the eighteenth century. On the side aisles there are several altars with paintings from other places of worship in the city, particular is the canvas depicting St. Joseph which seems to re-propose a cheerful walk of the Saint with the Child Jesus in a lush landscape.
On the right aisle, both for the chapel of the Crucifix or the Addolorata. in the chapel a crucifix from 1768 is set in an artistic reliquary that covers the entire wall with one hundred reliquary glasses. Under the altar is the body of St. Pius Martyr who arrived from Rome in 1772. The niche in which the urn with the relics of Blessed Guglielmo overlooks the chapel. Also in the chapel it is worth noting the canvas depicting St. Joseph Agonizing.
Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament: located at the end of the right aisle. Refined and elegant environment dating back to 1600. The stuccos are a true triumph praising the Eucharist, even the two canvases are inspired by the same theme: the Communion of San Lugi Gonzaga and Jesus offering Communion to a Saint. The most interesting and precious work is undoubtedly the majestic tabernacle and the overhanging ciborium, a true triumph of inlays, reliquaries and silverware spread over several floors.
The ancient statues depicting San Sebastiano, San Rocco, San Vito, Christ Triumphant by Filippo Quattrocchi, and an image of the Immaculate Madonna are also exquisitely crafted. The Crucifix of the Byzantine school is noteworthy.
In the church there are two pipe organs, both built by Pasquale Pergola and with mechanical transmission: the main one is located on the choir along the right wall of the central nave, dates back to 1837 and has 10 registers; behind the altar there is a positive organ from 1823, with 4 registers.
Church of the Nativity of Mary - New Madrice
Address: Via Giovanni Cucco, 46, 90013
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Location inserted by
Francesco Licciardi