CHIESA DEGLI OTTIMATI

This Arabo-Norman style church is unique in Reggio. Of Byzantine origin (10th century), it was transformed into a mosque during the Arab period and then served as a private chapel for the Norman rulers when they resided in the castle. Damaged by the Turks, destroyed by earthquakes, it was rebuilt in 1927 respecting the original style. However, the columns and part of the original cosmatesque paving are still there, as well as a beautiful Annunciation by the Florentine painter Campelli, dating back to 1597.