THE ANNUNCIATA CONVENT

The Convento dell’Annunciata is situated on the ancient Via Valeriana that climbs from Gorzone towards Borno, on a wide terrace of the mountain slope to the right of the Oglio River. Located at about 700 meters above sea level, the convent enjoys a spectacular panorama from Pizzo Camino to Lake Iseo.
The building is one of the most precious jewels of the architectural, artistic and spiritual heritage of Valcamonica, immersed in a natural landscape of extraordinary beauty. Numerous native plants grow around the Annunciata, thanks to the climate tempered by the proximity of Lake Iseo and the excellent exposure to the sun.

THE HISTORY OF THE CONVENT

The convent dates back to the second half of the 15th century, when the Franciscan Blessed Amedeo Mendes or Meneses da Silva, was invited by two confreres – who were living as hermits near the small country church dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damian – to continue the construction work they had started, after obtaining the relevant authorization from the Pope.
The management of the convent was entrusted by Amedeo to brethren, called Amadeites, who were later succeeded first by the Observants and then by the Reformed. After a period of closure during the first half of the 19th century – due to Napoleonic legislation – the Capuchins, who are still its custodians today, took over.

THE COMPLEX OF THE ANNUNCIATA

Passing through the church or through the doorway that leads into the first cloister, you can visit the cell where Blessed Innocent of Berzo lived. A guest of the convent for about fifteen years, the small museum inside the structure is dedicated to him.
In addition to the rooms (bedrooms, refectory, library …) distributed around two cloisters and used by the friars, there are buildings used to welcome guests, including a bar where sacred objects are for sale. The convent also has a garden with a greenhouse, after which there is a belvedere area. Particularly impressive, the belvedere offers a wonderful view of the Valley.

THE CHURCH AND THE MAIN PAINTINGS

The church hosts paintings from various historical periods. In the apse of the choir, which was probably the original chapel of the convent, there are valuable frescoes by Giovan Pietro da Cemmo, dating from 1475. The paintings depict the most relevant episodes in the life of Mary, most notably the Annunciation, to which the convent is dedicated. Other frescoes from a later period (around 1485), also attributable to Giovan Pietro da Cemmo, are found on the vaults and walls of the small portico that separates the choir from the remaining part of the church.

On the large wall in front of the nave is a composition of frescoes, by an unknown author, dedicated to the life of Christ, at the center of which is the Crucifixion. The expressionistic style in which the characters are depicted exerts a considerable emotional impact on the faithful and visitors.
Finally, in the chapels and on the walls of the church are various works made with themes, symbolism and language typical of the Counter-Reformation period.

THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CONVENT TODAY

Following the construction of the road to Ossimo Inferiore in the early 1960s, the convent has become a destination that attracts not only the inhabitants of nearby towns, but also tourists and the devoted from all over Italy. The Holy Masses, especially those on feast days, are very popular. Also, of particular importance, are the celebrations held on the anniversaries of the Pardon of Assisi (August 2nd) and Blessed Innocent of Berzo (the Sunday following August 2nd).