Built in 1372 by Archbishop Giacomo d’Atri, the Mother Church is the work of the architect Domenico di Martina, as the inscription on the facade says.
Made in late Romanesque style, it is probably an extension of an existing building. On the facade there is an oculus on whose perimeter an interweaving of plant motifs is carved; with the bas-reliefs depicting Christ on the throne, the Archangel Gabriel and the Virgin. Under the prothyrum, characterized by an elaborate carving of acanthus leaves and supported by two octagonal columns resting on oxen supported by shelves, the portal opens also enriched by a refined intertwining of animal and vegetable motifs.
Noteworthy inside, an high relief of the Annunciation (16th century) and the chapel dedicated to San Ciro (17th century), containing a painting of the Madonna del Rosario attributed to De Matteis. The dome dedicated to San Ciro is externally covered with polychrome majolica tiles.
Not to be missed: The high relief of the Annunciation (16th century). To visit: The chapel dedicated to San Ciro
Mother Church, the Collegiate Maria SS.ma Annunziata
Address: Piazza Regina Margherita, 74023
Phone: 099 566 1047
Site:
http://www.grottaglieturismo.itLocation inserted by
Francesca C. Frisa