The Church of the Ottimati (also known as the Church of Santa Maria Annunziata) is located on Via Castello, in the immediate vicinity of the Aragonese Castle and the square of the same name. It is easily recognizable at a glance: its Byzantine-style dome, painted a vivid red, makes it visible from many points throughout the city.

Inside, the church features a three-aisled plan divided by a colonnade. Four of the columns, in particular, are made of highly prized marble and are believed to have come from ancient classical buildings in the city. At the back, the altarpiece depicting the Annunciation of the Virgin stands out—a painting created by Agostino Ciampielli in 1597.

Another testament to its past is the beautiful “Cosmatesque”-style mosaic floor, with geometric decorative patterns made from polychrome stones. Scholars date it to the 12th century, and it enriches the central nave.

The church is one of those places that silently recount the long history of Reggio Calabria. To trace its origins, one must go back to the 10th century, when the crypt of the Ottimati was built. It had a quadrangular layout, three eastern apses, and three naves covered by five small domes. Later, during the Norman period, a new church dedicated to Saint Gregory the Great was constructed for Latin worship, using the ancient Byzantine chapel as its supporting structure.

Centuries later, after the devastating earthquake of 1908, the church was severely damaged. As a consequence, it was demolished along with the church of San Gregorio Magno and rebuilt in alignment with the new road axis, following the city plan drafted by Pietro Nava, which established the guidelines for the post-earthquake reconstruction.

The design process began in 1927 under architect Pompilio Seno, who proposed reusing the pre-existing Byzantine layout, but his plan was not approved. It concluded in 1930 with the project by architect Pietro Lojacono.

Finally, in 1933, the new church was opened for worship.