The Basilica of Maria Santissima Annunziata – the ancient Church of Trapani and one of the main attractions of the city, located in its historical center. It is dedicated to the blessed virgin Mary Carmelite.

The first small Church was built on this place in the year 1250, was called Santa Maria del Parto and belonged to the order of monks of the Carmelite fathers. Was then built another, larger Church, which was enlarged in the 18th century.

Today in this temple houses a priceless marble statue of the Madonna and child known as the Madonna di Trapani, the creation of which is attributed to one of the greatest Italian sculptors of the 14th century Nino Pisano. The statue is revered in all Mediterranean countries, while the Basilica is now one of the most famous in Western Sicily.

Inside the Church is a chapel, erected in 1586, in which you can see a silver statuette of St. Alberto degli Abati created by the master Vincenzo Bonaiuto, and the ark with the relics of the Saint, in particular it holds his skull. Nearby is a small cell in which he lived Alberto degli Abati, and where lie the remains of blessed Luigi Rabat. And under the main altar of the Basilica lie the remains of the Roman Martyr St. Clement.

The Central nave of the Church with sixteen columns and silver moldings was rebuilt in 1742 by local architect Giovanni Fabio'amico Baroque-Renaissance. Above the main entrance stands the round window socket.

Next to the Basilica stands the monastery of the Carmelite order, which was once one of the largest in all of Italy - and a monastery courtyard. Today the monastery is a Museum Agostino Pepoli. A little further there is the garden of the Villa Pepoli, turned into a city Park.

Every year from 1 to 16 August in Trapani religious festival is held in honour of the Madonna and child, which attracts thousands of pilgrims and which culminates in a procession with the removal of the Basilica exact copy of the famous statue.