The Church of SS. Annunziata of the Catalans is quite a lucky structure in Messina as it is the only building to have survived the 1908 earthquake.
Just across the port of Messina between Via Cesare Battisti and Via Garibaldi you can find this lovely gem, the Church of SS. Annunziata of the Catalans. Hiding 3 meters below the street level, this Arab-Norman-Byzantine church is a feast to the eyes with its multicoloured stones.
The church was built between the 12th and 13th century by orders of the king Guglielmo il Buono on what many historians believe were the ruins of an ancient Temple of Neptune. Since it was situated within the walls of Castellammare, the church was initially named S. Maria di Castellammare.
In the 13th century the facade collapsed that shortened the church of 12 meters and assuming its current size. During the Aragonese rule this church actually became the royal chapel but by the end of the 1400s it was given to wealthy merchants from Catalonia and thats when it got its current name.
The Church of SS. Annunziata of the Catalans is quite a lucky structure in Messina as it is the only building to have survived the 1908 earthquake. Unfortunately luck ran out for this church as well and it was damaged during the WWII bombing.
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Address: Via Garibaldi Giuseppe 111, Messina