Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata (Church of the Most Holy Annunciation), Salerno

Graced by a magnificent bell tower and crowned with a resplendent majolica dome, the Church of the Most Holy Annunciation occupies the site where the ancient Portacatena once stood—a vital city entrance. Positioned at the terminus of via Portacatena, it forms one vertex of the historical Salerno triangle, along with the Arechi Castle and Porta Nova, marking the geographical center of the city's rich heritage.

The church's origins trace back to significant donations from Queen Margherita of Durazzo in 1404 and 1412. Over its history, the church weathered various reconstructions necessitated by natural calamities. Extensively renovated in the mid-19th century, it endured a significant setback during the 1954 flood when engulfed by mud and debris. Yet, resiliently restored over three years, it emerged adorned with marble, stucco, and decorative elements in the vaults and lateral chapels.

With its longitudinal plan and a presbytery beneath a striking dome, the church exudes a pronounced eighteenth-century aesthetic. Inside, the influence of renowned Neapolitan artists is palpable. Filippo and Giovanni Ragozzino, alongside Matteo Bottigliero, crafted the splendid Baroque main altar at the terminus of the single nave, adorned with polychrome decorations. Notable features include the meticulously crafted wooden entrance door of the sacristy, fashioned in 1712 by the master shipwright Saviotto, and the neo-Gothic wooden organ from 1880, positioned on the counter-façade.

A recent addition to the church's allure is the breathtaking majolica embellishment on its dome, a testament to ongoing efforts to enhance this architectural gem.