The "Holy Houses" of the SS. Annunziata in Terra di Lavoro.

Abstract

The main objective of the study is to verify the existence of specific architectural models and on this basis, subsequently establish the possible transmission channels of the architectural types, as well as the architects involved and the workers engaged in the service of the Confraternities of A.G.P.This paper constitues an anticipation of a large study on the territory in the Terra di Lavoro and in particular of the foundations attributed to the Institute of the Lay Confraternity of Ave Gratia Plena (A.G.P), churches consecrated to the Santissima Annunziata. At first analysis, the territory appears chatacterized by the presence of several and extensive monastic complexes dedicated to the SS. Annunziata, which, following precisely the conventual model, are usually set based on a structure often endowed by cloister, sometimes from a hospital and a pawn shop. The recurrence of these structures suggests that, despite being of lay Confraternities, the foundations of the A.G.P. behave similary contemporary monastic orders, with general rules and similar types of architecture. This first reflection was reflected in the documented participation of the same architects to build headquartes employees by the Institute. Characteristic of the buildings that belong to confraternities of Ave Gratia Plena turned out to be the localization at the margins of the urban mesh. A feature of the existing buildings of the Ave Grazia Plena Confraternities was found to be the location at the edge of the urban jets, which are often separated by a wall that defines the foundation perimeter of the confraternites. The main objective of the study is to verify the existence of specific architectural models and on this basis, subsequently establish the possible transmission channels of the architectural types, as well as the architects involved and the workers engaged in the service of the Confraternities of A.G.P.