Church of the Santissima Annunziata

Founded as a dormitory by a local hermit from Ballistra, it later became a place of worship, run by the Dominicans from 1318.

In the 15th century, the small complex was joined by a hospital dedicated to Santa Maria dei Battuti Bianchi, run by a brotherhood of Franciscan tertiaries.

In 1481/82 a new church was built next to the hospital. It was completed in 1486 and was dedicated to the Annunziata and administered by the Preachers.

The Dominicans remained in Dovadola until 1782, when Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo, by request of some citizens, suppressed the convent and founded the S. Annunziata as the second parish of the town, with the assets of the parish of Santa Maria in Badignano, destroyed by the earthquake of 1781.

Architectural structure:
The present single-aisle building, with its gabled roof, exposed trusses and side chapels, preserves the essential lines of the original late 15th-century layout, despite successive interventions over the years.

The roof of the bell tower, with its Oriental-style spire from the end of the 18th century, is particularly noteworthy.

As we enter on the right, a marble plaque with an effigy marks the burial place of the illustrious linguist Antonio Ranieri Biscia (1780-1839).

The second chapel on the left houses a valuable 14th-century wooden crucifix.

On the side altars, several canvases and a statue of St. Vincent Ferreri recall the Dominican origins of the church, to which the buildings, once used as a convent and hospital, are still annexed. In the wide corridors, the wide staircase and the vegetable garden, they preserve the salient features of their former use.

Mass is occasionally celebrated here.

Accessibility:
It is accessible from 8am to 8pm. There are no closing days.

Opening period: All year round.

Entrance fee: Admission is free of charge.

How to get there: Coming from Forlì, the church is located at the entrance of the town.