Built on the remains of an ancient pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Cybele, the Church of the Annunciation (“Annunziata“) in Sorrento is one of the oldest churches on the Sorrento Peninsula.
A marble altar from the 1st century, discovered on site and now preserved at the Correale Museum of Sorrento, bears witness to its ancient origins.
The Church of the Annunziata was erected in 1133 under the Duchy of Sergio II and has seen many transformations over the centuries.
By the mid-14th century, it was restored by the Capece family after having long been considered a ruin.
Its original structure was significantly damaged during the Saracen invasion of 1558—when many buildings were looted and nearly destroyed—and by the earthquakes of 1695 and 1798.
Recent restoration work uncovered a pointed arch and a truss roof, revealing the church’s clear Gothic architectural style.
In the 18th century, the church underwent extensive renovations under Archbishop Mons. Filippo Anastasio, his successor Mons. Silvestro Pepe, and Cardinal Antonino Sersale.
Today, the church houses the Archconfraternity of Saint Monica, which organizes one of the most evocative processions of the Sorrentine Holy Week.
Held on the night between Holy Thursday and Good Friday, it adds to the peninsula’s deep spiritual atmosphere during Easter.
