Church of the Annuncitella and Conservatory Ave Gratia Plena

TheChurch of the Annunciationwas completed in 1729. It was mainly used for religious service to women admitted in the annexConservatory “Ave Gratia Plena”.Dedicated to the Annunciation, it was called Annunziata Minore, and therefore Annunziatella, to distinguish it from the already existing church of the Annunciation.

The facade presents thepiperno portaland a characteristicornamental fountain, with covered dome-shaped loggia. The interior is only one nave, with a barrel vault. Theside chapelsreveal a rich stucco decoration. The two chapels of the neoclassical transept, in contrast to the set characterized by the 18th century baroque, date back to the 19th century. Thehigher altar, in polychrome marbles, surmounted by the canvas depicting the Annunciation, presents the coats of arms of the Conservatory, very similar to that of the Municipality.

In 1937 the Church of the Annunciation became the seat of the parish of S. Maria dei Barbuti; from 1947 of that of St. Andrew. After the restoration work of 1946, the cantoria was abolished over the main altar and four windows walled, reserved for women of the Conservatory.

The conservatory was established by the will of the Dominican Andrea di Sanseverino, as a shelter for the“poor daughters, virgins and honest family who cannot be kept in their homes without great danger of honor”.

The first seat of the conservatory, around 1650, was placed in premises adjacent to the disappearance church of the XII Apostles, which is still today remembered with the name “Largo Conservatorio Vecchio”. After 4 years of its foundation, the city took over the institute by placing a fee of a tornase for each mill of ground wheat.

In 1698 the conservatory moved permanently to via dei Canali in the palace of the Frignano family, which was partially demolished to allow place to a large space in front of the entrance of the conservatory itself. From that moment on, the building went away and expanded with the inclusion of some neighboring buildings.

Recent excavations carried out in the entrance hall have brought to light some remains ofapsewith traces of medieval frescoes, dating back to the 11th century. In the courtyard, opposite the entrance there is an imposingfountain with bathtub. The fountain consists of a niche divided into two parts by a horizontal frame; in the upper part the broken pediment presents, at the center, a round in which a figure is inserted. Anotherregular octagonal shape fountainlocated outside the conservatory.

Currently the complex of the Ex-Conservatorio Ave Gratia Plena Minor hosts theYouth hostel