santuario, diocesano, SS.ma Annunziata

On the heights above Camerota, this sanctuary dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary Annunziata began as a work of the Italo-Greek monks from the nearby abbey of San Pietro, a foundation of the 10th century. The Eastern rite monks built a temple of ancient character, and devotion to the Virgin here was always intense, evidenced by the rich collection of ex-votos left in thanks for graces received.

The site has weathered dramatic turns. During the plague of 1656, the chapel and its sacristy served as a lazzaretto, and after the epidemic fear of lingering infection caused its abandonment. Popular piety later restored it for worship. A bell tower with two bells was added in 1948. The devastating earthquake of November 1980 rendered the church unusable, and it was closed for worship. Since then, a civic committee has worked to maintain the sanctuary and its hillside, keeping the ancient devotion alive.

Description via source. Coordinates and heritage data from the Atika atlas.