Santissima Annunziata, Parma, Mannerist church building in Parma, Italy.
The Santissima Annunziata is a church with an oval floor plan designed in the Mannerist style, featuring ten side chapels arranged five on each side. The central altar serves as the focal point, while the walls display decorative stucco work and statuary throughout the interior.
Construction began in 1566 when architect Giambattista Fornovo designed this building to replace an earlier church on the site. The structure marked an important moment in the city's architectural development and reflected the new ideals of Mannerist design.
The name refers to the Annunciation to Mary, a central theme reflected throughout the interior decoration. Visitors can observe how the side chapels structure the space for personal prayer and devotion, a use that continues today.
The church is accessible daily and free to enter, making it easy to visit. Plan your visit during daylight hours to appreciate the interior decoration and architectural details.
The entrance is positioned along the minor axis of the oval layout, creating an unconventional spatial arrangement. This placement was uncommon for churches of that era and demonstrates the architect's innovative approach.
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