Santissima Annunziata Maggiore, Naples, Neoclassical church in Forcella, Naples, Italy
Santissima Annunziata Maggiore is a Neoclassical church in Forcella featuring a concave facade and paired Corinthian columns. The interior is lined with a continuous decorated barrel vault that runs across the full length of the building.
Queen Sancia of Majorca funded the establishment of a foundling institution in 1318, which led to the construction of this church at the site. The building emerged from this original purpose of providing care and shelter for abandoned children.
The church displays works by local artists including Giacinto Diano, reflecting the artistic traditions that have shaped Naples over time. These pieces show how religious spaces served as gathering places for the community's spiritual and cultural life.
The church is situated near public transportation in Naples historic center with regular visiting hours available. Allow time to explore the various chapels and their decorative elements throughout the space.
Until the 1870s, the church operated a rotating basket system built into its walls, allowing people to anonymously place abandoned infants for care. This mechanism was an early form of organized social support in the city.
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