Santissima Annunziata, Gothic Catholic church in Gaeta, Italy.
Santissima Annunziata is a Gothic church and shrine in Gaeta, Italy, with a single nave divided into four bays by cross vaults. The interior mixes the original pointed vaults with baroque decorative elements and polychrome marble details added in later centuries.
The church was founded in 1320 outside the city walls, close to the sea. A major renovation in 1621 changed much of its appearance while keeping the original Gothic structure intact.
The main altar displays a large polyptych by Andrea Sabatini from 1521 showing scenes from the lives of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The side chapels hold paintings by Sebastiano Conca made during the 18th century.
The church welcomes visitors, but since religious services take place regularly, it is worth checking the timing of your visit in advance. The interior details are easiest to see in daylight, so a morning or early afternoon visit works best.
The Golden Chapel has a wooden coffered ceiling with gilded floral panels and 18 canvas paintings by Criscuolo. The same space also holds Scipione Pulzone's painting of the Immaculate Conception from 1582.
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