Chiesa della SS. Annunziata di Rotondi

The Church of the Santissima Annunziata (Most Holy Annunciation) in Rotondi is located on the street of the same name, near the Clock Tower.

Dating back to the 18th century, the religious building overlooks a square that hosts social, cultural, religious, and folk events at various times of the year. Today, the Church structure is topped by a double pitched roof, while its façade is embellished with precious stuccoes that give it a sense of simplicity and purity.

The Church of the Santissima Annunziata is thought to have housed a statue of the Madonna of the Star, which originally depicted the Virgin Mary from head to toe, with the Infant Jesus on her lap. Over the years, the statue deteriorated to an extent that even attracted the attention of Cardinal Orsini – the future Pope Benedict XIII – during his stay in Rotondi. For this reason, it was replaced by another simulacrum in the Byzantine style, which has survived to the present day and differs from the previous statue, as it is a half bust portraying the head of the Infant Jesus on the shoulders of the Virgin Mary.

This important religious testimony has helped to strengthen the deeply rooted faith of the Rotondi community, as also evidenced by the presence of the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima della Stella (Holy Mary of the Star) in the Rotondi area.