The Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani is one of the most important places of worship in the city of Messina, as well as being one of its most enchanting buildings, thanks to the unmistakable Byzantine style that manages to embellish the entire surrounding area, in which there are most of the main monuments of the beautiful old town of Messina. It is one of the most representative buildings of the city, able to resist the numerous calamities that have hit Messina over the centuries, managing to arrive today in an impeccable state. The construction of the Church of Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani that we know today dates back to a period between the 12th and the 13th century, although the structure was built on an ancient Byzantine temple dedicated to Poseidon. This ancient temple was also used by the Arabs during their domination in Sicily, who turned it into one of the most important mosques in Sicily, a fate shared with the Cathedral of Messina, with some details of Arab art that have remained until today. It was the Normans, in the figure of King William II of Sicily, to give greater luster to this religious building through a major restructuring. In the last years of the 13th century, the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani was also chosen by the friars of the Dominican order as their official seat in the city of Messina. In the course of its history, the Church has also hosted several confraternities, among which the one of the Catalan Merchants, who paid the expenses to commission sumptuous works of art to be installed in this building. The Byzantine style continues to echo on all fronts of the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, mixing with the Norman art that sees some influences of the Arab period. The Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, given its history, can boast a large number of artistic currents in its premises, to such an extent that it is one of the most important places in Messina to discover the culture and traditions of this beautiful city. The Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani has a very simple facade and a decidedly more scenic back, developed on two levels strictly enriched by striking columns and arches surrounded by colorful ceramics. From the top stands out its dome, which stands as a progression of the same style present at its base. Inside the Church of Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani you can find a basilica structure consisting of three naves, along which are placed beautiful works of art, including paintings and statues.
